We can’t stop the Bucks!

Still deprived Giannis Antetokounmpoabsent for four weeks, the Bucks found collective solutions to win 139-118 on the floor of the Pelicans. Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng confirm their impact from the bench.

The start of the match goes in the hands of the Pelicans. Zion Williamson imposes his power near the circle and connects on easy baskets. Milwaukee, however, is staying in touch thanks to the outside skill of Ryan Rollins, who is hitting some hard prized shots, and the activity of Kyle Kuzma. After a quick first quarter, New Orleans leads 38-33.

In the second quarter, the game gradually changed. Cam Thomas, who had been quiet until then, caught fire: he scored 16 consecutive points in less than six minutes to give the Bucks the lead again. The defensive intensity drops on both sides, the offense takes over, and Milwaukee returns to the locker room with a short lead, 71-65. Rollins already has 16 points at the break, while Williamson has 21.

Pete Nance as X Factor

Back from the locker room, the two teams continue to go blow for blow. The Pelicans repeatedly return to two possessions, but the Bucks react systematically, usually with Rollins, Thomas or Kevin Porter Jr. Rollins is also a defensive standout with four interceptions and two blocks. Milwaukee maintains a 103-96 lead early in the fourth quarter.

In the final period, the Bucks definitely made the difference. After a basket by Williamson that reduced the deficit to 108-102, Milwaukee began a decisive run, especially marked by two three-point shots and a layup by Pete Nance. Porter Jr. also scored a couple of baskets, and the deficit quickly climbed over ten points. The end of the match was controlled by Milwaukee, which won 139-118.

The Bucks thus have their third consecutive victory (sixth in seven games), while the Pelicans continue their difficult season with their 42nd loss in 57 matches.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Great dynamic Bucks. Third win in a row for the Bucks, who have the 3rd best series in the East. Very close to the playoffs, Milwaukee could quickly return to the top 10 thanks to a favorable schedule with nine of the next ten games played at home.

Pelicans love color. With more than 57 points, Zion Williamson’s teammates are number 1 in the NBA in points scored. Faced with the Bucks, who were deprived of the Turner-Giannis pair, this trend was more than confirmed as New Orleans scored 84 points in the racket! By halftime, the Pelicans had scored 56 of their 65 points near the rim.

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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; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.