Already deprived of Khris Middleton for eight matches, the Bucks approached this meeting against the Wizards without Jrue Holiday, sick, or Giannis Antetokounmpo, hit in the knee. His “Big Three” less, the 2021 champions gave in in the first quarter against the “tall ball” of the Wizards. Alongside Kristaps Porzingis, Daniel Gafford scored 13 points in the first quarter. It causes the exit of Brook Lopez and the Wizards take off (34-17).
To avoid any fear, the Wizards insisted, and it was Rui Hachimura who knocked out the Bucks in the 2nd quarter. At the dunk or at 3-points, the Japanese is unleashed, and the gap even reaches 26 points! Milwaukee will never manage to get back into the game with a gap still greater than 15 points for Washington. Without Bradley Beal, the Wizards win 118-95, and this is their 5th victory in a row! For the Bucks, it’s a 5th defeat in six games.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
Milwaukee pounded in the racket. Brook Lopez’s quick exit, with two fouls, completely disorganized the Bucks. The Wizards pressed where it hurts with the Porzingis-Gafford pair, but also aggressive fullbacks and wingers towards the circle. Washington scored 72 points in the racket!
Short rotation. Like Tom Thibodeau, and despite the absence of Bradley Beal, Wes Unseld Jr. opted for a short rotation with 8 players. Will Barton, Anthony Gill and Jordan Goodwin only came into play in “garbage time”.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ The Gafford / Porzingis pair. Between them, they scored 18 of their team’s first 26 points! They are complementary and Washington has undoubtedly found the right formula with Kyle Kuzma shifted to position 3.
✅ Rui Hachimura. There was Giannis in the way he swallowed spaces and rushed towards the circle. The Japanese scored 13 points in the 2nd quarter, and has had more than 21 points for five matches. The click!
✅ ⛔Kyle Kumza. A triple-double in trompe l’oeil since Kuzma ends the game with a lot of waste: 5 out of 16 on shots and 5 stray bullets.
⛔ Brook Lopez. Overwhelmed by the Gafford-Porzingis duo, the pillar of the Bucks defense had an evening without, and on both sides of the field.
THE FOLLOWING
Bucks and Wizards meet Tuesday night for Round 2.
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