ORLANDO, Fla. — In a game between the Bucks and Rockets that had so much hype surrounding the league’s two prior MVP’s, James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was the 2017 MVP, Russell Westbrook who stole the show.
3 and D the Key for the Rockets Victory
Coming off an exceptional performance Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks, Russell Westbrook followed that up with his second consecutive 31 point game to help propel the Rockets to a 120-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Westbrook becomes just the second player in Rockets’ history to score at least 20 points in 30 straight games (Harden).
James Harden put up 24 points, and five steals including a strong night from the foul line, where he has led the NBA in free throws attempted seven of the last eight years.
Despite hoisting up 61 three pointers in the game, tying the NBA team record for three pointers attempted in a regulation game, it was on the defensive side of the ball that Harden felt had the biggest impact down the stretch describing it as “very important”.
Harden went on to say that,”Throughout the course of the game we played some really good defense… we got stops when we needed to.” The Rockets forced the Bucks to commit five turnovers in the final five minutes of the game.
Bucks struggle in the Second Half
Giannis Antetokounmpo proved once again why he will in all likelihood take home his second consecutive MVP award this year. In what was yet another stat-stuffing night, Antetokounmpo had 36 points, 18 rebounds and dished out 8 assists.
The Bucks saw solid contributions from their supporting cast as forward Khris Middleton registered 27 points, including 19 in the first half. Brook Lopez chipped in 23 points and 2 blocks, respectively.
The Bucks were unable to take advantage of a massive rebounding mismatch as they out rebounded the Rockets 69-43.
Fourth Quarter Struggles
The bucks held a 90-89 lead heading into the fourth quarter, and were able to use a 7-0 run to extend the lead at 112-104 with three minutes left to go. From then on, the Bucks would quickly see that lead go away as Houston went on to score nine straight points taking the lead 113-112.
The Bucks would go on to struggle, including turning the ball over on their next three offensive possessions. After combining for a total of 54 points through three quarters, the all-star duo of Antetokounmpo and Middleton would go on to only score a combined 9 points on 4-10 shooting and four turnovers.
After the game, Giannis acknowledged the struggles, but cited the game as a learning opportunity saying that “…we’ve got to learn from it and got to keep moving.”
Injury Updates
The Bucks were without guards Eric Bledsoe and Pat Connaughton for a second straight contest as they both continue to prepare for their returns from positive COVID-19 tests.
The Rockets played last night’s contest also not at full strength as guard Eric Gordon did not play due to an ankle injury.
Up Next!
The Bucks will look to bounce back with a win when they play the Brooklyn Nets Tuesday night on NBA TV and FOX Sports Wisconsin (12:30 p.m. CT).
The Rockets will go for their fourth straight victory as they take on Portland Tuesday night on TNT (8:00 p.m. CT).
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