The Rockets are robbing Giannis Antetokounmpo of his money!

THE Bucks they will be able to bite their fingers. Because if Kevin Durant is perfect early in the Rockets’ launch matchup, it’s Milwaukee that takes control at the end of the first quarter.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is however discreet and his lieutenants, starting with Miles Turner, promote the brand. Cole Anthony brings power off the bench and as the “Greek Freak” goes about his business, Doc Rivers’ company takes a 14-point lead (49-35) in the second quarter.

Pressed high and hard, the Rockets lose a lot of possessions, which they make up for with plenty of offensive rebounding.

Battling the physical onslaught of Bucks defenders, Reed Sheppard however, he proves to have a great wrist, and the Rockets stay within range (61-50) at halftime.

Houston is relying on Kevin Durant to get back into the game, while the Bucks are relying on Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two played rain and shine in the third quarter, but the Rockets gradually cut their deficit. Even if their offensive game often seems very static…

The problem is that the Bucks have gone cold, and the Wisconsin team is content to wait for the exploits of their superstar. Faced with opposing physical density, it was too much to ask, and Houston managed to make the difference, Alperen Sengun who wakes up very strong in the final to finish the hold (122-115) with 2+1.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Losing the ball against offensive rebounds. The battle for possession played out differently on both sides. The Bucks put a lot of pressure on Amen Thompson, whose dribbling has yet to improve, and Reid Shepard, who doesn’t like to be rushed. Enough to cause a lot of turnovers (17) and be able to run, while Kevin Durant was also disrupted by Milwaukee’s aggressive two-handed tackles. Enough to significantly disrupt the Rockets’ offensive lineup, who made up for it by returning 20 offensive rebounds!

– Giannis vs. KD. With his 31 points on 11/15 shooting, Kevin Durant played Kevin Durant, carrying his team when he needed it most. Conversely, Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t bad either with 37 points on 14/25, but the Bucks are much more dangerous when he’s not the only offensive solution…

– Le finale d’Alperen Sengun. The Turk saved the best for last. Rather than a spectator of the spectacle offered by two superstars, it was he who made the difference in the last two minutes, with a little shot at the right time against Giannis Antetokounmpo, then 2+1 after resisting the pressure of “The Greek Freak” all over the court. Final results: 23 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.