Revival in Milwaukee: Bucks End Losing Streak With Commanding Win Over Jazz

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Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo Unleash Offensive Powerhouse

On a thrilling Thursday night, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a spectacular show, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 123-100 victory against the Utah Jazz. The Bucks, who were on a six-game losing streak, found redemption as Lillard dropped a solid 34 points while Antetokounmpo, back from a right adductor strain, contributed 31 points and 16 rebounds. The last time the Bucks experienced a streak of this magnitude was back in March 2015, and they successfully evaded their first seven-game losing streak since March 2014.

High Energy from the Bench: Jordan Clarkson’s Contribution

The Jazz weren’t without standout performances. Jordan Clarkson, coming off the bench, led the team with 18 points. Despite being at the helm with a 71-70 lead, the Jazz fell short when the Bucks seized control with a late third-quarter surge, led by Lillard and Antetokounmpo, who together netted the first 15 points of a 17-1 run.

Jazz’s Struggle from the Arc and Bucks’ Lineup Shuffle

Utah, ranked 27th in the NBA for 3-pointers per game (11.3) and 29th for 3-point percentage (30.3%), initially looked promising, sinking 14 of 26 from beyond the arc in the first half. However, their performance dipped in the second half, sinking just 3 of 15. On the Bucks’ side, Coach Doc Rivers shook things up by giving Andre Jackson Jr. his first start of the season, shifting Gary Trent Jr. to a bench role.

Crucial Turning Point: Antetokounmpo’s Fourth Foul

The game’s tide turned when Antetokounmpo picked up his fourth foul with 10:26 left in the third quarter. Despite this, he remained on the court until the final 43.1 seconds of the period. He avoided picking up another foul during this stretch, playing a crucial role in sparking the 17-1 run that gave the Bucks a comfortable lead.

Historic Stat: Antetokounmpo Breaks Rebound Record

Antetokounmpo made history by pulling down six offensive rebounds, increasing his career total to 1,469, and surpassing Marques Johnson to become Milwaukee’s career leader. Johnson, who is currently part of the Bucks’ broadcast team, held the previous record with 1,468 offensive rebounds from 1977-84.

Looking Ahead: Jazz and Bucks’ Upcoming Games

Next, the Jazz will face Sacramento on Saturday, while the Bucks are set to meet the New York Knicks on Friday night.