The Bucks folded in the late stages of a 122-115 loss to Houston on Sunday. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted 37 points, eight rebounds and three assists but couldn’t sustain that same level of production in crunch time, Eric Nehm of The Athletic notes. In the final five minutes, Antetokounmpo had one field goal, went 2-of-6 from the free throw line, and committed two turnovers.
“We didn’t execute as well (as them),” Antetokounmpo said. “The ball was sticking a lot… Whenever we were double-teaming or trapping the pick-and-roll, they were moving the ball, finding the open man. They were able to make some shots and we did the complete opposite.”
The Bucks superstar is listed as probable to play against Dallas in the second game of a back-to-back on Monday, Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal tweets.
We have more from the Central Division:
- The Pistons are shooting for the seventh straight victory when they host the Wizards on Monday. They pulled out a 111-108 road win over Philadelphia on Sunday. During the winning streak, Cade Cunningham is averaging 29.2 points and 11.2 assists per game, while center Jalen Duren — who is headed to restricted free agency — is averaging 23.5 PPG and 13.5 RPG.“He’s been dominant,” Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff said of Duren, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN. “The way he helps us protect the rim, the job he does on the boards, the threat that he is in the pick-and-roll and in the pocket … he’s a guy that can connect our group, too. He’s another guy who can facilitate and playmake, and then he’s an elite communicator, which has been a huge growth for him defensively. He’s talking to guys, always in the right spot, so I thought he was great again (Sunday).”
- Coby White (strained right calf) has yet to play this season, but the Bulls guard is expected back soon. Coach Billy Donovan anticipates he’ll make a seamless return to the rotation, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “I feel pretty good about him coming back,” Donovan said. “He’s always been a team guy. The rhythm for him individually, he’s going to work through that, and in time, it will get better, but in terms of him seamlessly coming back, I don’t worry about the chemistry at all, not with him. He plays the right way. Being around these guys, his IQ, his years in the league, I think he’ll know how to come back and integrate himself.” White was assigned to the G League’s Windy City Bulls on Monday to get some practice time, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network tweets.
- Isaac Okoro faced his former team on Saturday when the Cavaliers defeated the Bulls, 128-122. The Bulls forward, who was traded by Cleveland during the offseason, scored 19 points with four rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes. “I had a wonderful five years in Cleveland,” Okoro said, per Johnson (Twitter link). “They treat their players right –coaches, front-office staff. I love all these guys. But once tip goes up, it’s Bulls vs. Cavs.”
Giannis and Steph = a match made in heaven. Giannis is the future of the Warriors, the Bucks have blown it with him. Horrible roster construction around him, period.
The Warriors are moving to Athens? That is where Giannis says he wants to end his career. Curry has to much going on in the Bay Area to go there. He’d probably retire. The Bucks could have had Curry and Giannis over a decade ago. But, they nixed that. That ship has sailed.
Giannis meant as a 40+ year old in Athens. He will play on GSW before then. I swear so many posters on here purposely misinterpret my words because you love to argue even over nothing. Yawn. Yeah sure man. Whatever you say…
…just be sure to make the right phone call to your therapist when Giannis comes to GSW, proving I was right all along. Proving you all hate me because I am right and you are wrong. Curry + Giannis on the Warriors is Lacob’s plan and you are stupid for not seeing it, straight up. Open your eyes man…
Cade showing up every game makes it easier for me to swallow the bold MVP preseason pick I had on him. Flat out stud.
On an unrelated topic, Okoro looked nice on Saturday making some plays, it’s a shame we lack real size against some of the giants in the East. Mobley was abusing whoever was guarding him.
Cade likely won’t best Joker in terms of MVP, but you aren’t wrong, Cade is a Him. He is as advertised, the #1 pick who plays like one. I always forget he is 6’6″ too, so his defense is only going to get better as his IQ catches up with it. Needs more playing time for that, but its inevitable. Literally Michael Jordan is his ceiling if he can bring the D. He might win a MVP if Joker misses too many games, but Joker should have won the last 5 MVPs and he’s likely going to get this seasons one.
I’m not worried about how many MVP’s someone should have. I just appreciate good basketball these days. I hated too much on Iverson growing up but now I appreciate how much he had to endure in Phily. Same with TMac and other guys. Hating on someone makes the game less enjoyable. As for Cade, we need to stop comparing everyone to MJ. Cade still has to grow as a leader, and make better decisions for himself and hit teammates first and foremost. I truly believe that he will eventually be the best PG in the game, but right now he’s ascending due to the team winning last 12 months. His IQ I agree will only get better, along with his defensive anticipation and awareness. Sky’s the limit for him. It’ll be tough for him but if they get the 1st seed and he is taking games over in the 4th with his talent, then anything’s possible for MVP.
Cade’s game is not like MJs. He is a true PG. And at this point in his career shows better IQ. Jordan first years were all about scoring. Cause the Bulls didn’t have anyone else. Cade is a scorer. He does it off playing the point. More like Luka and Harden. Except he plays D and runs the offense. He is just starting to come into his own. Serious talent. He’s got some Magic in him. Dare I say it.
I’m talking the Rocket Harden …… ok
Completely wrong. Cade is much closer to MJ than Magic.
FYI I never comp anyone with MJ, but if Cade’s defense perks up, he will get close.
Weird how you talk randomly about hating players to the biggest player-stan on this site, like, I wasnt hating on anyone? I literally comped Cade with MJ and agreed with you, but here you are arguing and talking down to me. Why? Your reply to mine makes no sense at all.
I’m not directing any hate towards you lol. I just appreciate whoever wins the MVP as they earned it, unless you are Kobe and got screwed out of 05-06 because Nash did not deserve it, then that’s a different story all together. Point is that if Jokic got 4-5 straight MVP’s, same can be said about Giannis. There’s certain voter fatigue when it comes to superstars, Jordan should have 6 if there wasn’t fatigue in 96-97 and Malone won.
Good points, sorry for the tone.
All good. We all love hoops lol.
Do you guys think that Giannis is playing through injury? He moved and played strangely in certain episodes.
It must be nice to play in the east and have the 2nd game of a B2B be vs the Wizards
Hey, be nice!
xD
Okoro is having a decent year so far. He’s a true 2way guy. And his shooting has been more consistent. His FT is at 90% a good indicator of improved shooting. He’s avg 24 mins and playing both ways. With more time he in the offense. His numbers will go up. His reb needs to be up. Still has a chance to level up. Those mins are solid for him.