The Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers both entered Wednesday night’s contest on losing streaks. Milwaukee had lost two in a row while the Cavs were losers of four straight. The Bucks were able to snap their streak and improve to 11-3 while Cleveland lost for the fifth straight game is now 8-6. Cleveland was leading after one quarter of play, but the Bucks rallied to carry a one-point lead into halftime. Once the second half started, the Bucks stormed out to a dominating lead and never really looked back.
Three Studs
Brook Lopez
There are very few words to describe just how good Brook Lopez has been this season. He had yet another stellar performance against the Cavs (and his brother, Robin) by scoring a season-high 29 points. Lopez was 10-13 from the floor, which included 7-9 from three. He also added five rebounds and three blocked shots. Lopez remains the NBA leader in blocks per game so far this season.
No, seriously. Put Brook Lopez in the 3-point competition.#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/aMaZLcLjpx
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 17, 2022
Jordan Nwora
I have been very critical of Jordan Nwora so far this season, but it is important to acknowledge good play when it is displayed. Nwora was vital to the Bucks’ victory, scoring 21 points off of the bench. He was 6-10 from the floor, including 5-9 from three. He also added three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block.
"The lead pass to Jordan Nwora!!"
Learn how @clovercommerce powers small businesses through every stage of business growth https://t.co/7hl0CeRak8 pic.twitter.com/eOwekMePY8
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 17, 2022
Jevon Carter
Contrary to what was reported before the game, the Milwaukee Bucks were still without Jrue Holiday, Pat Connaughton, and Khris Middleton. That meant that Javon Carter got the start again, and he proved to be one of the team’s most important players once again. While he did not exactly put up big-time stats, he did have a tremendous effect on the overall team defense and ball movement. Carter finished with 11 points, eight assists, and four rebounds while shooting 5-10 from the floor.
Jevon Carter gets the party started for Milwaukee! pic.twitter.com/x6tLMKN5Kb
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 17, 2022
Three Duds
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Listen, I know it sounds strange to have Giannis Antetokounmpo of all people on a duds list. It is even stranger given the fact that he was just two assists shy of his second triple-double of the season. However, Giannis did not shoot the ball very well from the floor (6-18) and was even worse from the free throw line (4-11). He did have 16 points and 12 rebounds to go with eight assists, but it was obvious he was not feeling “it” shooting-wise. Thankfully, the team’s depth showed up and carried them, which is vital for a Championship-contending team.
I look at the timeline and nobody seems to be enjoying this beatdown of one of the best teams in the league just because GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO isn't playing like his usual self.
You all are miserable. He'll be fine. I'd say he has earned a pass for a few bad games.
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) November 17, 2022
MarJon Beauchamp
MarJon Beauchamp got the start again, but he continued to have some growing pains in his rookie season. Facing the likes of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell will do that. Beauchamp struggled defensively and offensively, shooting just 1-8 from the field, including 0-3 from three.
AJ Green
The Bucks’ second round pick got his first career points on a three, but was otherwise a liability while he was on the floor. AJ Green was just 1-4 from the field and had a team-worst -11 in net rating.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
1 Comment
As soon as we get guys back and shake off the rust, Brook needs a night off.