On Wednesday night, the Milwaukee Bucks finally ended their four-game losing streak. They put together one of the most impressive offensive outbursts in history on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. The Bucks set a franchise record for shooting an amazing 68.9% from the field. Along the way, they shot 51 of 74, the highest single game shooting percentage in the NBA since March 13, 1998.
This amazing performance was a huge recent turnaround for the normally underperforming squad. It served as a reminder of what they could be, as they continue to climb up the Eastern Conference standings. Prior to this historic win, the Bucks endured a heartbreaking loss to the Atlanta Hawks. They ended up losing 145-124 and allowed the most points they had all season.
As if to ward off any doubts, Giannis Antetokounmpo put on one of his best performances to date. He finished with 37 points, 11 assists and six rebounds. He was 12-of-18 from the field, showing us all why he’s one of the most complete offensive players and best leaders on the court today.
Brook Lopez joined the party on the eve of his 37th birthday, going 10-of-13 from the floor and scoring 22 points. Ryan Rollins was a revelation, pouring in 23 points. He was 8-of-10 from the floor and knocked down 5-of-7 from deep. The Bucks hit a season-high 58.6% of their three-point attempts, hitting 17 of 29 shots from deep.
Even if they’ve been struggling of late, the players stressed how important it was for them to get that confidence back.
“I think we were a bit disappointed in our offense the past few games.” – Brook Lopez
The Bucks came into the night sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They were looking at the prospect of their worst playoff seed since 2018. As Coach Doc Rivers observed, they were from being a great offensive team.
“We’re so close to being an incredible offensive team.” – Bucks coach Doc Rivers
And that was a Phoenix team that limited the Bucks to a whopping 20 turnovers. They suffered a big deficit in second-chance points, being outscored 24-3. It was the lackluster showing in the team’s last three matchups that forced the squad to seriously reconsider their style of play.
This game, unlike any other, featured Bucks’ grit and aggressiveness taking control, and the Bucks making the most of every chance given. Once they got into their rhythm, which came quickly, it was a tempo they never relinquished, tempo that made all the difference in vaulting them to victory.
“We’re fighting for our lives. We’re fighting for our lives.”
Giannis understood the gravity of the moment, of what it meant to get this victory after such a difficult stretch, stating,
The Bucks’ commanding performance not only provided them with much-needed momentum but reaffirmed their status as a formidable contender in the league. Beyond this win, they’ve shown that given the right support and leadership, they can overcome adversity. As they head into the most critical months of the summer season, they’re poised to reach even higher.
“I think when you win, you enjoy your sleep better. You enjoy your food better… I’m a sore loser. I’m not going to lie. We definitely needed a win.”
The Bucks’ commanding performance not only provided them with much-needed momentum but also reaffirmed their status as a formidable contender in the league. With this victory, they demonstrated that they could rise from adversity and aim for greater heights as they approach the critical months of the season.
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