The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 106-105 on Friday night. The late-night game of ESPN’s double-header was as dramatic as they come. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored just five points in the first half, but had 17 in the fourth quarter before fouling out with three minutes remaining. Luca Doncic was in the referees’ ears all night, and it seemed to work as Dallas got away with a plethora of hard fouls in the lane. Brook Lopez was his usual stellar self on defense, blocking three shots but altering so many more. It got to the point that if Lopez was in the game, the Mavericks did not even attempt layups.
Related: Brook Lopez Is the Betting Favorite to Win Defensive Player of the Year
The Game-Winning Play
Of course, Lopez is a hero of the game for a whole different reason. He only scored four point all game, and only made one field goal. However, that one basket was the deciding bucket in the game.
The Bucks were down one point with just second remaining. Coach Mike Budenholzer called a timeout to draw up an inbounds play from half-court. George Hill was the player selected to inbound the ball. After the referee gave Hill the ball, Lopez dropped down towards the hoop, and Hill hit him with an alley-oop pass that he laid in for the game-winning basket.
BROOK. FOR THE LEAD!!! pic.twitter.com/7SVZypihf8
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 10, 2022
Game Notes
- Giannis’ streak of 30+ point games was snapped; he had 28 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists
- Khris Middleton scored 19 points in his fourth game back from left-wrist surgery
- Jrue Holiday carried the Bucks early and finished 1ith 17 points, six assists, and seven rebounds
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