The Milwaukee Bucks have not had the best start to the season, entering Tuesday night’s matchup with the Miami Heat with an 8-9 record despite having championship expectations. However, they were able to get the job done against the Heat as they climbed back to a .500 record tonight without Giannis Antetokounmpo who sat out with a left knee effusion.
Damian Lillard scored 37 points and added 12 assists to make up for his co-star’s absence and was a major part of what the Bucks did offensively night. Despite blowing a 22-point second-half lead, the Bucks secured their fifth consecutive win, improving to .500 (9-9) for the first time since the second game of the season.
Milwaukee (3-0 in Cup play) moved ahead of Detroit (2-0) in the East Group B standings, keeping their path to the knockout stage in strong shape. The Bucks found other avenues of production without Antetokounmpo as Brook Lopez (13 points) and Bobby Portis (11 points) provided key contributions.
Jimmy Butler scored 23 points for the Heat, who got 18 from Tyler Herro, 17 from Terry Rozier, and 16 from Bam Adebayo. Miami tied the game at 96 but never took the lead, falling to 1-2 in Cup play.Â
The Heat struggled from deep, getting outscored 60-30 from beyond the arc and that ultimately was the difference because they could not get the game-winning or game-tying shot in the final possessions. Following a gutsy performance by the Bucks players, let’s give them each a grade.Â
Damian Lillard: A+
Stats: 37 points, 3 rebounds, 12 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 2 fouls, 0 turnovers, 10-17 FG, 8-13 3PT FG, 9-9 FT, 38 mins
Damian Lillard was the engine behind Milwaukee’s offense, delivering a spectacular 37-point, 12-assist performance in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence. Lillard’s shooting was clinical, as he drained eight of his 13 three-point attempts and converted all nine free throws. He orchestrated the Bucks’ offense with precision, keeping them steady despite Miami’s late rally. His ability to make clutch plays and avoid turnovers secured Milwaukee’s win and pushed them to .500 on the season.
Brook Lopez: C+
Stats: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 5-6 FG, 3-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 30 mins
Brook Lopez provided an efficient offensive showing, scoring 13 points on nearly perfect shooting, including three three-pointers. While he didn’t make much impact defensively or on the boards, Lopez’s steady scoring helped keep Miami at bay, particularly when the Bucks’ lead started to slip.
Taurean Prince: C+
Stats: 10 points, 3 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 31 mins
Prince added 10 points on efficient shooting, including two three-pointers. His contributions weren’t flashy, but he played his role well on the perimeter. However, his lack of defensive or playmaking impact limited his overall effectiveness.
Andre Jackson Jr.: C+
Stats:Â 6 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-4 FG, 0-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 26 mins
Jackson Jr. delivered a strong rebounding performance with nine boards and added six points in limited offensive involvement. His athleticism and energy were valuable, though he didn’t contribute much else offensively or defensively.
Bobby Portis: C+
Stats:Â 11 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 5-15 FG, 1-3 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 18 mins
Portis chipped in 11 points and six rebounds but struggled with efficiency, making just five of his 15 shot attempts. While he brought energy and physicality off the bench, his offensive inconsistency kept him from having a bigger influence on the game.
Pat Connaughton: C+
Stats:Â 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 4-8 FG, 1-4 3PT FG, 1-2 FT, 21 mins
Connaughton’s effort on the boards stood out, as he grabbed eight rebounds to go along with his 10 points. His hustle helped the Bucks maintain possession during key moments, but his shooting from deep (1-for-4) was underwhelming.
Delon Wright: C+
Stats: 5 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 1 foul, 0 turnovers, 1-4 FG, 1-2 3PT FG, 2-2 FT, 17 mins
Wright had a quiet night with just five points, five rebounds, and three assists. His contributions were solid but unspectacular, as he played a steady, low-mistake game off the bench.
AJ Green: C
Stats: 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 4 fouls, 0 turnovers, 3-7 FG, 3-7 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 28 mins
Green’s nine points came entirely from three-point shots, but he was streaky, hitting only three of seven attempts. While his spacing helped the Bucks offensively, his defensive limitations and lack of versatility held him back.
Gary Trent Jr.: C-
Stats:Â 2 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 3 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-9 FG, 0-4 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 24 mins
Trent struggled mightily with his shot, going just 1-for-9 from the field and missing all four of his three-point attempts. He contributed little else, making this a night to forget for the veteran scorer.
MarJon Beauchamp: N/A
Stats: 3 points, 2 rebounds, 0 assists, 0 steals, 0 blocks, 0 fouls, 0 turnovers, 1-1 FG, 1-1 3PT FG, 0-0 FT, 6 mins
In limited action, Beauchamp hit his only shot, a three-pointer, in six minutes. While efficient, his impact was minimal due to his brief time on the court.
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