The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 141-117 on Saturday in NBA play, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way with 30 points and 12 rebounds. This victory saw four Bucks players score at least 20 points each, tying the team’s fourth-largest margin of victory.
Doc Rivers is about to begin his career as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, a squad that recently delivered one of its most commanding performances of the season.
The Bucks won their third and last game under interim head coach Joe Prunty, shooting an astounding 56%. Adrian Griffin was fired on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo praised Prunty’s leadership, particularly given the tight schedule of three games in four days.
“It’s crazy that he’s never been a head coach in this league,” Antetokounmpo remarked. “It’s insane.”
Rivers will begin coaching with the Bucks on Monday, facing the current NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. The Bucks have won seven of their previous nine games and are embarking on a vital five-game road trip.
Damian Lillard, who led the team with 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, discussed the club’s renewed focus and intensity in the wake of recent adjustments. He emphasized.
“I think the last couple of games we’ve played, we’ve just had good energy,” he remarked. “I believe our team is aware of everything that is going on around us, and we have just grown closer and been more focused on games. When we arrive to Denver, everything will be similar. We just need to stay connected and continue on the path we’ve been on over the past few games.”
Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis also made significant contributions for Milwaukee, scoring 24 and 20 points, respectively. Despite efforts by Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans were unable to match the Bucks’ intensity. Jonas Valanciunas also contributed a double-double for New Orleans.
Both teams were aiming to recoup from losses the night before, with the Bucks falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pelicans losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bucks’ propensity to compete well without rest days was underlined, bringing their record to 6-1 in such situations.
Willie Green, the Pelicans’ coach, acknowledged the Bucks’ dominance and urged his team to improve its effort and accountability before it embarked on a four-game road trip.
“Give them credit,” Green replied. “They dominated the game.” It was a poor performance on our part, and it begins with me. I need to hold our guys more accountable. This is a challenging back-to-back. We know it, flying up here. They had a back-to-back as well, which possibly resulted in fatigued legs, but our fight must be superior. “Those guys in the locker room know it.”
Khris Middleton rested for Milwaukee due to knee load management, and Williamson returned for the Pelicans after missing a game with a foot ailment.
The Bucks maintained control of the game after establishing the lead in the first quarter, eventually increasing their lead to 34 points.
The Pelicans will face the Boston Celtics, while the Bucks will play the Denver Nuggets, both on Monday.
