The Milwaukee Bucks’ Emirates NBA Cup celebration set the stage for a memorable night at Fiserv Forum on Saturday. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard sidelined, the team faced a significant challenge but rose to the occasion. Fans who tuned in witnessed the Bucks demonstrate depth and resilience against the Washington Wizards, setting the tone for an electrifying evening.
Bucks Shine Without Their Stars
Despite missing their star duo, Giannis Antetokounmpo (back spasms) and Damian Lillard (right calf strain), the Bucks showcased an impressive performance. Bobby Portis took center stage, flirting with his first career triple-double. Through three quarters, Portis amassed 25 points, eight rebounds, and a career-high eight assists, leading Milwaukee to an 86-72 advantage. If Portis could secure just two more boards and assists in the final quarter, he’d achieve this milestone for the first time in his career.
Quick Stats:
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Bobby Portis: 11-of-16 shooting, 25 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
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Khris Middleton: 18 points in 19 minutes, marking his first start of the season.
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Bucks’ lead peaked at 22 points in the third quarter.
Wizards’ Efforts Fall Short
The Wizards (4-21) began the night on fire, shooting an astounding 72% in the first quarter, including 8-of-11 from beyond the arc. Milwaukee native Jordan Poole led the early charge with 16 points on 5-of-6 shooting from three. However, their hot start cooled significantly as the game progressed. By the end of the third quarter, the Wizards’ overall shooting had dropped to 43%.
Khris Middleton’s Milestone
Saturday marked Middleton’s first start of the season, a significant moment for the forward. Despite playing nearly 21 minutes the previous night in Cleveland, Middleton proved his resilience by contributing 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the challenges Middleton faces in regaining his rhythm after extended absences, emphasizing the importance of keeping him aggressive.
Middleton’s Journey:
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First back-to-back appearance in two seasons.
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Averaging 20.8 minutes per game this year.
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Continues recovering from bilateral ankle surgery.
Injury Report Highlights
The Bucks’ depth was on full display as they navigated a depleted roster. Key absences included:
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Giannis Antetokounmpo: Back spasms.
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Damian Lillard: Right calf strain, missing his second straight game.
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AJ Johnson, Chris Livingston, Tyler Smith: Assigned to G League.
Meanwhile, the Wizards were also without their second-leading scorer Kyle Kuzma, who missed his ninth consecutive game due to a left rib sprain.
Wisconsin Natives in Action
The matchup held a special connection for several Wisconsin natives playing for the Wizards:
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Jordan Poole: Milwaukee King graduate, averaging 20.6 points per game.
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Johnny Davis: La Crosse native and former Wisconsin Badger, averaging 3.5 points this season.
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Patrick Baldwin Jr.: Sussex Hamilton graduate, contributing 2.1 points per game.
Former Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon also made an appearance. Brogdon, who spent the first three years of his career with Milwaukee, averages 14.9 points this season but has only appeared in 10 games due to a thumb injury.
NBA Cup Champions Merchandise
Fans looking to commemorate the Bucks’ Emirates NBA Cup victory were in luck. Championship merchandise became available at the Bucks Pro Shop starting Saturday, offering a chance to celebrate the team’s latest accomplishment in style.
Upcoming Challenges
The Bucks’ journey continues with a Monday night showdown against the Chicago Bulls (13-15), tipping off at 7 p.m. Milwaukee’s performance without its star players serves as a testament to its depth, but upcoming games will demand even greater consistency and adaptability.
Doc Rivers: A Hall of Fame Contender
Adding to the excitement, head coach Doc Rivers received recognition as a nominee for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Rivers, already named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history, reflected on this honor with humility, emphasizing his ongoing focus on the team’s success. With over 1,000 regular-season wins under his belt, Rivers has a chance to climb further up the all-time coaching ranks this season.
Key Quote from Rivers: “It means that I’ve done good work in the league to be mentioned. It’s humbling. But my focus remains on what’s ahead, not what I’ve accomplished.”
Game Details and Broadcast Info
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Tip-Off Time: 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21.
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Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (Dave Koehn, Marques Johnson, Melanie Ricks) and AM-620 WTMJ radio.
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee Bucks’ ability to adapt and excel without their key players speaks volumes about the team’s grit and determination. From Bobby Portis’ stellar performance to Khris Middleton’s inspiring return to the starting lineup, this game offered a glimpse into the Bucks’ potential as they navigate the season’s challenges. With upcoming tests on the horizon, Milwaukee fans have every reason to stay optimistic and excited.
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