The Milwaukee Bucks look impressive in scrimmage debut
It had been 136 days since the Milwaukee Bucks played an organized game of basketball. Conversely, it had been 135 days since the San Antonio Spurs played their last live game. Neither squad played on the infamous night of March 11th.
When both teams took the floor for their debuts in the NBA’s restart, things did not appear much different on the hardwood from the last time we both saw them. The Bucks remain a force to be reckoned with, and the Spurs seem to be ready for a retool or a full-on rebuild.
With that said, the absence of LaMarcus Aldridge did not help their cause. As San Antonio fell 113-92, the contest featured only four lead changes all transpiring in the first period.
FEAR. THE. DEER.#WholeNewGame pic.twitter.com/qgsJUq6M1z
— NBA (@NBA) July 23, 2020
What stood out
Milwaukee’s stiflingly defense spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo forced 22 Spurs turnovers, resulting in 31 Bucks points. Concerningly, Giannis committed five fouls. There were nine instances in the regular season where the All-Star committed five or more fouls.
However, that did not slow down his scoring, as he led the Bucks with 22 points in just under 22 minutes. Lonnie Walker IV led the way for the Spurs with 14 points and he was one of four Spurs in double figures.
Scary moment
Near the end of the contest, Giannis’ younger brother Thanasis Antetokounmpo took a scary fall while trying to contest a dunk attempt by Drew Eubanks. Thanasis remained down for a moment before slowing and gingerly walking off the floor. The play was reviewed and nothing more than an offensive foul was assessed.
After hitting his head, Thanasis Antetokounmpo did not participate in practice today, Mike Budenholzer said. He is not in concussion protocol, but was “sore enough” that he sat out. When reporters entered the court today, he was dribbling and doing light shooting. https://t.co/bVPfPv6vV1
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 24, 2020
There were many questions about how the rest of the season will play out in the NBA bubble. Plenty that involves the Milwaukee Bucks. However, if their first scrimmage was any indication of how the remainder of the season will end for the team, they’re in good hands.
The Bucks and Spurs both have two scrimmages remaining before the eight seeding games begin July 30.