Despite the return to play of Ivica Zubac, after a small calf injury, and the arrival of the two former Portlanders, Norman Powell and Robert Covington, the Clippers could not do anything against the Bucks, victorious 7 of their 9 last matches (137-113).
Carried by a trident of double-doubles composed of Giannis Antetokounmpo (28 points, 10 rebounds), Jrue Holiday (27 points, 13 assists) and Bobby Portis (24 points, 11 rebounds), the defending champions easily made the difference in 2nd half, simply equaling their record for points scored this season.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A 19-3 in the 3rd quarter. Led after a very lively first quarter (32-28), the Bucks had certainly regained the upper hand at halftime (60-51), but it was especially in the 3rd quarter that they took to their heels. Thanks to a Pat Connaughton on fire, who will finish at 18 points at 6/9 from 3-pointers, Milwaukee passed a scathing 19-3 to the Clippers overwhelmed by this offensive tidal wave. It must be said that the Bucks were hot in the period at 12/22 on shots and 7/10 from 3-pointers!
– The good beginnings of Powell and Covington. Both on the bench at the start of the game, Norman Powell and Robert Covington, did indeed make their debuts under their new Clippers colors last night. Over-motivated for his first game in his hometown, Powell was the first to set fire to the powder, notably scoring 11 of his 28 points in the 3rd quarter, while Covington ensured him 13 points in all and for all. While waiting to learn more about the possible returns of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, Powell and Covington will bring their experience to LA and strengthen the team on the outside.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a month of January with more than 31 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists on average, and this big triple-double at 33 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists against Washington, the double MVP of the Bucks gently continues his domination in February. Last night, he was still very good, and without forcing, with 28 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for a 2nd victory in a row on this “road trip” on the West Coast.
✅ Jrue Holiday. Almost “off” against the Blazers with only 9 points and 7 assists (and only 4 shots attempted in 27 minutes!), Jrue Holiday was much more aggressive against Reggie Jackson and the Clippers. The Olympic medalist point guard had a big game with 27 points and 13 assists, plus 5 rebounds and 2 steals, all at a very efficient 11/16 overall.
✅ Bobby Portis. In line with his 30-point game in Portland, Bobby Portis still had a warm hand in Los Angeles. After his 6/8 3-pointer against the Blazers, Portis lined up a 4/5 from behind the arc at Crypto Arena for his 19th double-double of the season, with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
⛔ Reggie Jackson. Hero of the game against the Lakers the other night, Reggie Jackson had a much tougher night against Milwaukee. Held at 10 points and 5 assists, Jackson did not weigh on the match at all, with a small 3/12 on shots.
⛔ Nicholas Batum. In the five major last night, Nicolas Batum went through this game against the Bucks like a ghost. With 2 points and 4 rebounds in 16 minutes of play, the veteran winger was like his team, he suffered all evening.
THE FOLLOWING
Los Angeles (27-28): start of a three-game “road trip” in Memphis, on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.
Milwaukee (34-21): next game against the Lakers on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday.
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