Warriors Dominate Bucks in 125-90 Victory: Giannis and Doc Rivers React
The Golden State Warriors put an end to the Milwaukee Bucks’ six-game winning streak with a resounding 125-90 victory on Wednesday night at the Chase Center. The Bucks, who currently hold a record of 41-22, struggled to keep up with the Warriors’ dominant performance throughout the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who returned to the lineup after missing Monday’s game due to left Achilles tendinitis, scored 23 points on 8 of 15 shooting. Despite his efforts, it was not enough to overcome the sizable deficit created by the Warriors. Antetokounmpo expressed his determination to be on the court and build chemistry with his teammates, stating, “I try to play as many games as I can this year… But at the end of the day if I don’t feel like I can protect myself out there, I try not to put myself at risk.”
Damian Lillard also contributed to the Bucks’ efforts with 20 points, including five three-pointers, tying Reggie Miller for No. 4 all-time in made three-pointers. Bobby Portis had a strong performance off the bench, scoring 20 points, but most of his contributions came in the first half.
On the Warriors’ side, Stephen Curry led the team with 29 points, showcasing his shooting prowess with six three-pointers. Jonathan Kuminga added 20 points, while Draymond Green had 12 points. Trayce Jackson-Davis made a significant impact on the game, blocking consecutive attempts by Antetokounmpo and contributing 15 points and four blocks overall.
The Bucks made a spirited comeback in the third quarter, cutting a 20-point halftime deficit to just six points with 5 minutes and 34 seconds remaining. However, Jackson-Davis’s momentum-swinging plays, including blocks on Antetokounmpo and a dunk off a Curry lob, prevented the Bucks from closing the gap further. Despite their efforts, the Bucks were unable to regain control of the game.
The Bucks struggled defensively in the first half, allowing the Warriors to score 78 points, the most an opponent has scored in the first half against the Bucks this season. The Warriors shot an impressive 64% overall and 63% from behind the three-point line. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers attributed their defensive breakdowns to poor offensive play, stating, “We had a lot of defensive breakdowns for sure but a lot of them were in transition where we weren’t matched up because our floor balance was so bad tonight.”
The absence of Khris Middleton, who has been out since February 6 due to a foot injury, continues to impact the Bucks’ performance. Middleton’s return date remains uncertain, with Rivers emphasizing caution in his recovery. Middleton’s absence may also affect his chances of earning a $1.5 million bonus for appearing in 62 games this season.
Despite the loss, the Bucks remain focused on learning from their mistakes and improving their performance. Antetokounmpo acknowledged the team’s need to be better defensively and expressed confidence in their ability to bounce back in future games.
Overall, the Warriors’ dominant victory over the Bucks highlights their strength as a team and their ability to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses. The Bucks will need to regroup and address their defensive shortcomings to maintain their strong position in the league.
