Milwaukee Bucks: How They Choked vs. Denver

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Nov 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kostas Papanikolaou (16) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) during the first half at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

First Quarter:

The Bucks continued their trend of fast starts as they outscored Denver 32-25 in the opening quarter. Johnny O’Bryant, who replaced Jabari Parker as he continues to rehab from last season’s ACL tear, played the entire quarter and posted a +7 point differential. He tacked on three rebounds and two points, although he only made 1-of-3 shots.

Every other Buck shot at least 67 percent from the field. Giannis Antetokounmpo looked like “new Giannis” and was aggressive but smart with his decision making. He led the team with eight points, three assists and made 4-of-6 field goals.

It was the Milwaukee guards that ran the offense to near-perfection. Second-year pro Tyler Ennis had his best game of the season and scored seven first quarter points, while his backcourt partner Khris Middleton knocked down a pair of three-pointers. Middleton proved that when his shot is falling, he is a lethal offensive weapon.

As a team, the Bucks were 14-of-20 from the field and 4-of-6 from downtown. Defensively, they guarded the perimeter tightly and only allowed the Nuggets to make 1-of-5 threes.

Next: First Quarter

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