This matchup featured two international stars and shows how
diverse the NBA talent is. With different playstyles, both Giannis
Antetokounmpo and
Luka Doncic put on a show, but it was the 2-time MVP who came
out victorious as he led the
Milwaukee Bucks to a 129-117 win over the Dallas
Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
The Bucks have had an interesting season so far. After
trading away Jrue Holiday to acquire superstar
Damian Lillard to pair up with
the Greek Freak, Milwaukee’s defense has plummeted. After starting 30-13, which
was good for 2nd in the Eastern Conference, the front office decided
to fire rookie head coach Adrian Griffin. At 43 games, this was tied for the
third shortest coaching tenure before getting fired. Doc Rivers replaced
Griffin for the head coaching position and now there is pressure on this
organization to win a championship.
Giannis led the way with 48 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists,
5 steals, and 1 block on 71% shooting. Damian Lillard had a great game as well,
finishing with 30 points and 8 assists on 91% shooting and 5/5 three pointers made.
Bobby Portis ended with a 12-point, 10 rebound double-double off the bench.
For the Mavs, Luka Magic had himself a night, finishing with
40 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists. Josh Green ended with 20 points and 9
rebound while Maxi Kleber recorded 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2
steals.
This win improves the Bucks to 33-16, which makes them 2nd
in the Eastern Conference and 4 games behind the Boston Celtics. They are 6-4
over their last 10 games and will face off against the Utah Jazz tomorrow
night.
On the other hand, this loss drops the Mavericks to 26-23,
which makes them 8th in the Western Conference and 2 games behind the 7th
seeded New Orleans Pelicans. Dallas is 3-7 over their last 10 games and
currently on a 2-game losing streak, so they will look to turn things around on
Monday night against the Philadelphia 76ers.