Milwaukee fans had to be more patient than expected and than usual, but they held their Bucks' first victory in Wisconsin this season. Thursday against a Jazz well underway in its tanking operation, the 2021 champion enforced logic (123-100), at least that of paper more than that of the rankings at the start of the season. Doc Rivers' men were able to build their success in the second half without really trembling.
With Andre Jackson Jr replacing Gary Trent Jr in the starting five at back, Rivers was hoping for a little shock and more defensive input. The bet did not fully pay off, with the surprising Johnny Juzang as Utah's first detonator, and Jordan Clarkson, back after two games of absence, as second blade before the break. Damian Lillard put on a show with 14 points in the first quarter, Giannis Antetokounmpo held his place with 16 points and 8 rebounds before the break, but nevertheless, it was the visitors who returned to the locker room in front (57-61 ). Incandescent 3-pointers (14/26), collective (15 passes on 20 successful shots), the Jazz possibly had the recipe to push the Bucks a little further.
But it completely faded in the second period, the fault of the awakening of Milwaukee and its star duo. Lillard and Antetokounmpo pressed where it hurts, attacking the circle, while taking advantage of the opposing team's loose balls to offer themselves easy points on the counterattack. The outside skill of Will Hardy's players having soared, Milwaukee took control of the match thanks to a 15-1 to lead 87-72 and no longer be caught. With a one-sided second period (66-39), the Bucks found a little smile again.
WHAT TO REMEMBER
– The Antetokounmpo – Lillard tandem is there. With 31 points and 16 rebounds for the “Greek Freak”, and 34 points, 7 assists and 4 steals for “Dame”, the two Bucks All-Stars once again combined more than half of their points. There is still progress to be made collectively for Milwaukee, but it is difficult to blame them for anything in the storm. Special mention to Antetokounmpo, who managed to weigh in and stay in play after quickly picking up his fourth foul in the third quarter, the one where Milwaukee widened the gap.
– Jazz already seems to be freewheeling. Utah's first period and this rain of long-range shots – three for Juzang, Clarkson and Keyonte George – could portend a closer match than one could imagine, especially with the return of Lauri Markkanen from injury. It didn't happen, and Will Hardy pretty quickly threw in the towel. The Jazz coach surprised a bit by prioritizing veterans like Drew Eubanks and Patty Mills rather than Kyle Filipowski or Isaiah Collier in his evening rotation.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
