Life got in the way and I was not able to get out my usual “Giannis Antetkounmpo’s Best Games Against…” article. As it turns out, that was a good thing because Giannis’ performance against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night was epic. It would have rendered that article obsolete. Of course, there were other key players that were instrumental in the Milwaukee Bucks maintaining control of the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Highlights from last night's WIN vs. Pelicans.
⚡️ @we_energies ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/DWV2Qn17rW
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 20, 2022
Three Studs
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Of course, we have to start with Giannis Antetokounmpo himself. The two-time MVP exploded for 42 points, 10 rebounds, and one assist. Giannis was 12-17 from the field (1-3 from three) and 17-22 from the free throw line. His assist total may seem rather low, and it is. However, other Bucks shooters were just 1-16 on shots that Giannis could have been credited with an assist.
Giannis went off for 42 points on 12-17 shooting in the @Bucks road W! pic.twitter.com/VlO6kaiOTM
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2022
Brook Lopez
I am not sure what more Brook Lopez needs to do to make the All-Star team this year. He continued to to dominate on defense, recording a block and several contested shots. He also poured in a season-high 30 points while shooting 12-17 from the floor (4-9 from three). Lopez added seven rebounds and three assists on the night.
Season-high 30 points for Brook tonight.
30 PTS | 7 REB | 71% FG% pic.twitter.com/4L6E3vn7eN
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 20, 2022
Jrue Holiday
Similarly to Brook Lopez, it is hard to imagine anything more Jrue Holiday can do to earn an All-Star berth. Not only did he pour in 18 points on 6-12 shooting, but he also dished out 11 assists. Holiday also added two steals and a block in a defensive masterpiece.
Watching Jrue Holiday play defense is watching a work of art. pic.twitter.com/xuJYI63Lss
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) December 20, 2022
Three Duds
Joe Ingles
The big free agent acquisition for the Bucks this offseason finally made his season debut on Monday night. Joe Ingles went 0-4 from the floor, all of his shots coming from three. He did have a rebound, two assists, and a steal; but the rust was obviously affecting him. One would expect that he will not have these kinds of games very often.
George Hill and Jordan Nwora
It is interesting to note that, following a day off, neither Jordan Nwora nor George Hill received any playing time. With Khris Middleton out, MarJon Beauchamp got the start. One has to wonder what Hill’s and Nwora’s roles will be going forward.
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