Milwaukee Bucks had lost two straight games for the first time all season. You could say they were on a losing streak. But Milwaukee would not let it extend out to three games. They came out against Indiana focused and ready to play from the start of the first tip to the end of the game. Bucks won a rousing 117-98 game led by Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. This is a strong win for Milwaukee and a message to Indiana if they end up playing Milwaukee in the second round of the playoffs. Bucks won the season series, 3-1, over the Pacers.

Player of the Game: Khris Middleton – After a rough game on Monday at Phoenix, Middleton came home and started firing early on. I loved that he seemed fearless out of the gate in this one. He finished with 27 points, four assists, three steals and made four of seven from deep. If Middleton starts off strong, it is a recipe for success. He played great and to me, this is an improvement for Midds. After a game like they one he had in Phoenix, Middleton ended up in a week or two week long slump. It didn’t happen this week.

Silver Star: Giannis Antetokounmpo – My favorite thing about Giannis’ night was he became the closer. Pacers inched their deficit down to 14 points then Budenholzer brings back Giannis to just wreck shit for a few dunks. Antetokounmpo finished the game with 29 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. He also made all eight of his free throws which is always a good sign for the Greek Freak.

Positive: Bench came to play – Budenholzer continues to tinker around with his bench lineup. I don’t think he knows exactly who are the eight guys in the playoff lineup yet. But with the idea of more postseason minutes, the bench is on their game of late. Ersan Ilyasova and Tony Snell both had nine points off the bench. Great games from both of those players. Pau Gasol grabbed five rebounds in eleven minutes of action. The only one that struggled yesterday was Nikola Mirotic.

Negative: Giannis’ tech was bullshit – Not really a negative, but we’re light on them for this game. He should not have gotten a technical because that was clearly a foul. No question about it. Now if he gets called for a foul, do the Bucks go on their third quarter run? I’m not sure. Pacers saw it as a turning point of this game like ‘Uh oh we pissed off Giannis.’ Does that happen if he gets fouled?

Highlight of the night: Tony Snell with the ankle breakers!

Can I have this dance?!? 🕺#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/Tk7943ASz7

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 8, 2019

Next up: Milwaukee stays home to play Charlotte on Saturday night. Hornets have been a pain in the ass to play this season for the Bucks. They’ve won two of three thus far, but they’ve been all close games. Charlotte is a bit of a mess right now though. They’ve lost five of their last six games. Also, Hornets will be playing a back-to-back as they have a game versus Washington tonight.

Charlie.