After eight wins in a row, the Golden State Warriors received the Milwaukee Bucks for the top game – and got under the wheels. In the 134:111 victory Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. are more than dominant. In addition, the Warriors also had to lament a prominent failure.
These Bucks can and must be taken seriously slowly and obviously! Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. visited the previously unbeaten champions at home and literally swept over them – while the Warriors usually make sure that the last quarter only consists of Garbage Time so often, this time Milwaukee was the reason: The Bucks dominated especially the quarters two and three and were so far away afterwards that even the Dubs couldn’t make a comeback.
However, the injury of Stephen Curry also played a certain role. The last so outstanding Guard had not found any rhythm in his 26 minutes playing time (10 points, 6 assists, 5/14 FG), but the chances of a comeback would have been better with him. However, Curry injured himself on the left adductor in the third quarter when he tried to make Eric Bledsoe’s throw more difficult, and then had to be replaced, although he tried to keep playing. The Warriors were therefore lacking another support next to Draymond Green (toe) and Shaun Livingston (foot).
Apart from Klay Thompson (24 points, 9/15 FG) nobody could really replace these gaps, especially as Kevin Durant did not get a good day (17, 9 assists, 6 turnovers, 6/15 FG). However, this also had to do with the strong defense of Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks) provided his almost familiar dominance, but the Greek Freak was by far not the only strong player of the visitors. At the end, Eric Bledsoe was allowed to claw the game ball under his nail.
The Point Guard, who was much criticised in the playoffs last season, showed his best performance since the trade to Milwaukee. On the offensive he managed almost everything (26 points, 6 assists, 10/12 FG) and also defensively his physical style Curry was very difficult – it was no coincidence that his plus/minus (+30) was the highest among the bucks after that of Khris Middleton (17 points, +33). Malcolm Brodgon (20 points, 9/14 FG) and Pat Connaughton from the Bank (15) also presented themselves very well.
The Bucks were not dependent on hitting their threesome, only nine of their 35 attempts fell through the Reuse (Warriors: 10/28 FG). But they were almost ridiculously dominant in the zone (84:34 Points in the Paint!). The Warriors had no answer at all to the length and athleticism of the Bucks that day. “We’ve arrived,” Antetokounmpo said, expressing his satisfaction after the game.