Milwaukee vs. Oklahoma City: Giannis-less Bucks Wallop Thunder, 108-94

The Milwaukee Bucks’ scorching begin to the 2022-23 NBA season continues. Regardless of being with out Giannis Antetokounmpo, they knocked off the visiting Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder by a rating of 108-94.

After holding a lead within the early portion of the quarter, Milwaukee suffered a scoring drought mid-way by way of the opening body. That allowed Oklahoma Metropolis to grab management, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander started his scoring output. Nevertheless, a late surge from the Giannis-less Bucks pulled the Bucks even. Headed into the second quarter, all issues have been squared up at 34 apiece.

Grayson Allen would come alive within the second quarter, main Milwaukee in scoring. He’d end the half with 16 complete factors, which was the primary purpose behind the Bucks increase a double-digit lead. On the break, Milwaukee discovered themselves up 67-53.

The floodgates would start to open within the third. Proper out of the gates, the Bucks began pulling away. Regardless of not having Giannis (and Middleton clearly), Milwaukee’s offense had no hassle making issues occur. As soon as the three ball began to attach, it was tough for the Thunder to make any strikes. Headed into the fourth, the Bucks have been in prime management, 93-78.

The Thunder would minimize issues down to 10 within the final quarter, however by no means would they’ve an actual likelihood again into this one. As a substitute, the Bucks would end off this one by including some last touches, and cross the victory line with a 108-94 victory.

Brook Lopez led the best way in scoring for the Giannis-less Bucks. His last stat line would learn 25 factors. Oddly sufficient, he’d solely corral in three boards (most likely as a result of Bobby was hauling them in). Jevon Carter was robust on the offense, ending with 18 factors and 5 threes. Grayson Allen would additionally join on 5 from deep, totaling 19 factors on the evening.

For Oklahoma Metropolis, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would maintain the spot of main scorer, ending his outing with 18 factors. The Australian Josh Giddey wrapped issues up with 15 of his personal and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl poured in 12.

The Bucks will now journey to Atlanta on Monday evening to tackle the Hawks.

Three Observations

MarJon Beauchamp earned his first profession begin.

Given the truth that Giannis was sitting this one out, you figured that the alternatives could be there for the rookie — they usually have been. He was flying all over, which in the end resulted in him fouling out. There have been a couple of flashes that he offered, together with a nifty block on the defensive finish. He’d complete simply two factors and went 1-of-9 from the ground, nevertheless it was good to see him being thrown into the deep finish and obtain some significant minutes. It’ll be intriguing to see how Bud makes use of him shifting ahead.

Jevon Carter continues to indicate his worth to this workforce.

As Khris Middleton continues to be sidelined and work his means nearer to a return, Jevon Carter continues to be a starter — and he continues to thrive. So many instances, his protection and talent to choose up guards up full-court together with his hustle is mentioned. Nevertheless, final evening, it was his offense that shined as effectively, as he tallied 18 factors on 6-of-12 capturing — together with 5 threes. Postgame, I requested Mike Budenholzer about his contributions. Right here’s what he advised me:

I additionally requested Bobby Portis about Jevon’s efforts. Right here’s how he responded:

Talking of Bobby, how about these 21 rebounds?

What a efficiency by BP. It appears like I’m all the time referencing the vitality and hustle that he brings out each evening, however rightfully so. He merely can’t be stopped. Irrespective of the evening, irrespective of the opponent, irrespective of the place the schedule is at, Portis goes all out. Final evening, he did precisely that, by hauling in an insane 21 boards. He already registered a brand new career-high by the second quarter. His tenacity and hustle is unquestionably one thing that the workforce will proceed to worth shifting ahead and depend on.

Bonus Bucks Bits

• After having a career-high of 4 consecutive video games scoring 25+ factors, Jrue Vacation scored simply ten factors on the evening. I doubt we’ll see that low of a scoring output from him proceed.
• Grayson Allen got here off the bench as MarJon Beauchamp acquired the nod within the beginning lineup. He didn’t miss a beat, connecting on 5 threes and tallying 19 factors. We’ve all seen the sample of simply how effectively Milwaukee performs when his shot is falling, and that was exemplified but once more final evening. Let’s see if he continues to roll Monday evening vs. Atlanta.
• What have been the vibes like at Fiserv Discussion board final evening? Right here ya go:

• Let’s see how Giannis spent his evening off:

• Final, I’m gonna end this Prolonged Recap by posting one other ballot to see the place your entire minds are at: