Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo Sets Career Highs In Loss to Brooklyn Nets
Milwaukee Bucks guard Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds in a loss to the Brooklyn Nets: Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Heading into their game against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, the Milwaukee Bucks were carrying some good news.
Larry Sanders was activated after missing 25 games and Ersan Ilyasova returned to the lineup after a three-game absence.
Despite having more healthy bodies to add to the player rotation, the Bucks got off to a slow start and trailed 31-18 after the first quarter. The Bucks went into the locker room at halftime with just 37 points on 31 percent shooting. It was little wonder, then, that the Nets were able to maintain an 11-point lead.
The Nets were especially in need of a win, having lost four in a row, and feeling the heat from their head coach, Jason Kidd, and the team’s fanbase.
The final result was 104-93 in favor of the Nets; however, the Bucks showed great energy and more scoring punch in the second half.
Sanders finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 22 minutes of action off the bench. On the other hand, Ilyasova, who made the start, was a little rusty and tallied six points on 2-for-11 shooting.
Shaun Livingston (20 points) and Mirza Teletovic (19 points) led the way for the Nets in front of their home crowd, but honorable mention has to go to a certain member of the Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a 19-year-old rookie making his fifth start, recorded his first career double-double, with 16 points and 10 rebounds—both totals were also career highs.
The 6’10” forward’s night included some impressive drives to the basket.
The Bucks have dropped two straight games and don’t have much time to reflect as they travel home to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.
Although they limp home with the worst record in the league at 6-23, there are some positive notes to consider.
We can probably expect some more stability in the starting lineup now that the Bucks can actually dress a full roster for each game. More importantly, though, we can look forward to the steady development of Antetokounmpo on a nightly basis.