The Bucks of Milwaukee owned their home court as they played the visiting Dallas Mavericks Friday evening at Fiserv Forum Stadium. This victory keeps them in second place in their conference, as they extend their winning streak to four in a row. The Celtics are the only team ahead of the Bucks.
This game was big for both teams as Eastern Conference met Western Conference for a chance to move up in rankings. With the Mavericks taking a loss, they rank in at 6th with a 6-5 record this season. Milwaukee is now 9-4 and inching their way closer to the conference title.
Despite a loss, Dallas came out strong and took the lead early in the game but then struggled to rebound as they were consistent at 10 points for nearly three minutes in the first quarter. Getting off to a slow start was good news for the Bucks, as they came from behind and went into the second quarter leading by 7 points. Similar patterns followed throughout the game, and when it came to halftime, the Bucks led by 8 and managed to go in the half at 55-47, earning 30 baskets in the first quarter and 25 in the second. The Mavericks had 23 in the first and 24 in the second.
After half was up, it was a different story. Dallas came out more powerful and made the Bucks defense work hard in an attempt to stop them. They came up with 7 points and closed the Bucks lead to just one point, holding them at 55 for almost 3 minutes at the beginning of the 3rd quarter. From that point on, the game was neck and neck, both teams scrambling at any opportunity to get points and maintain on top.
Near the end of the 4th quarter, it looked as if this could have possibly been an upset game when the Mavericks took the lead back with only 3 minutes left to play. However, 3 minutes was too long, and they let the gain they had slip away when the Bucks brought it home with a final score of 112-109.
Luka Doncic, a key player in this game for the Mavericks, was the top scorer with 28 baskets, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists. Teammate Tim Hardaway Jr. right behind him with 22 points and 6 rebounds. The standout players for the Bucks were Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton. Antetokounmpo destroyed the court and received 31 points while Middleton put up 25. Dallas out beat Milwaukee in field goals with completing 46.4% against their opponents 44.8%. Both teams had the same number of assists (22) and steals (5), but Milwaukee outscored Dallas in nearly every other aspect, such as free throws, rebounds, and three-pointers.
Next Up
Bucks travel to face the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on Monday, January 18th at 7:30 ET. League Pass and TNT will broadcast the game.
The Dallas Mavericks continue their road trip up to Toronto to face the Raptors on Monday, January 18th at 7:30 ET. This match will occur at Amalie Arena and available to watch on TSN, NBA League Pass, and Fox Sports Southwest.
