Apr 5, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball below the arm of Miami Warmth heart Bam Adebayo (13) throughout additional time at Kaseya Heart. Obligatory Credit score: Jim Rassol-Imagn Pictures The Milwaukee Bucks have had fairly per week.
That they had historic performances twice in three days, then rallied from a seven-point deficit within the fourth quarter to beat the Warmth 121-115 in additional time in Miami on Saturday night time.
The Bucks (43-34) clinched a playoff berth Saturday and moved into the No. 5 spot within the Japanese Convention. They’re making an attempt to remain sharp because the postseason nears after dropping 4 straight video games earlier than successful the final three.
They will attempt to preserve rolling once they go to the lottery-bound New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night time.
“We’ve got to win video games,” Milwaukee star ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo stated. “We clinched the playoffs, and I am joyful about that. We’re in a great place. We simply have to remain humble and keep on level.”
The Bucks shot a franchise-best 68.9 % from the ground on Tuesday and made 58.6 % of their 3-pointers in a 133-123 victory over visiting Phoenix.
Two nights later in a 126-113 victory at Philadelphia, Antetokounmpo turned the primary participant in NBA historical past to have not less than 35 factors, 20 assists and 15 rebounds in the identical sport. He completed with 35, 20 and 17, respectively, for Milwaukee, which shot 51.6 % from past the arc.
Issues had been harder Saturday however labored out tremendous.
Antetokounmpo did not duplicate his historic stat line towards the Warmth, however he wasn’t that far off, ending with 36 factors, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
“His effort was wonderful,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers stated of Antetokounmpo, however added, “It was a workforce win.”
Bucks guard Damian Lillard (calf damage) has missed the final 9 video games, however Rivers is optimistic he’ll be capable to return earlier than the tip of the season.
As for Milwaukee’s current surge in Lillard’s absence, Rivers stated, “I am shocked by it, however I like it.”
The Pelicans (21-56) have misplaced 5 of their high gamers to season-ending accidents and traded second-leading scorer Brandon Ingram through the season.
New Orleans will play its third consecutive sport towards a workforce headed to the postseason.
The Peclians misplaced consecutive street video games towards the Clippers (114-98 rating) on Wednesday and Lakers (124-108) on Friday. Jose Alvarado had 17 factors and 10 assists towards the Clippers and tied his season excessive with 27 factors towards the Lakers.
New Orleans coach Willie Inexperienced stated Alvarado “has been doing an important job filling in for guys being out,” however Alvarado is questionable for Sunday due to calf soreness. If he would not play, New Orleans can be much more depending on inexperienced gamers.
“You possibly can’t script the expertise that they are getting on the ground,” Inexperienced stated of the younger gamers. “They’re making the most of alternatives. I can see regular enchancment from all these guys throughout the board.
“You possibly can see the development proper earlier than our eyes, and the important thing as we transfer ahead with the final handful of video games left is to proceed to attempt to construct on the positives.”
Sunday’s sport was scheduled to be performed Jan. 22 however was postponed due to a uncommon snowstorm in New Orleans. The Pelicans will go to the Bucks on Thursday.
–Discipline Stage Media
