One of the more popular phrases on our website and in the podcast is the term ‘house money.’ We probably overuse it. But there are so many times where it fits what we are trying to convey when talking about our sports teams. Last night, the Milwaukee Bucks played with house money against the Boston Celtics and doubled their payout from the East Coast. Milwaukee won both games in Boston, and they have a 3-1 lead in the series. Thanks in large part to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fourth quarter dominance and the an unlikely bench mob stepping up again. Bucks have a chance to close out Boston on Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum.

Player of the Game: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Would you believe me if I said Giannis was in foul trouble on Monday night? I’m not sure you would if you see his stat line. Giannis went off for 39 points, 16 rebounds and four assists. That’s a major stat line with most of it coming in the fourth quarter. Giannis scored 17 points in the fourth quarter including 12 in the paint. Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points in the paint. Even with a bad whistle, he still did everything he wanted on the court. The fourth quarter will be one we remember for a long time. The dude is a killer. He had that ‘go-time look’ in his eyes and did not let up at all.

Silver Star: George Hill – As I said on Twitter, can I get a George Hill jersey by Wednesday? When teams win championships, there are always those guys who are not stars but they have major moments in building the championship. Hill could be one of those guys. After a great Game 3, he performs an encore like he is Hendrix finishing with All Along The Watchtower scoring 15 points, the second-highest on the team. He led the bench mob in the third quarter whilst Bucks dealt with foul trouble and broke Boston. Hill continues to be aggressive and attacking the basket like a spry athlete. What he has done in the last two games has been truly special.

Thing I liked: The team picked up Khris Middleton – In the first three games of the series, Khris Middleton has been one of the only consistent factors. This game did not feature his best effort. He went 4-for-19 from the field with 13 points. It was a rough night. But Middleton went on a little run at the end of the first half that brought the game close at half. I loved the fact everyone else put him on their backs and carried the load. That’s what a true team does for one another.

Thing I didn’t like: The whistles were awful – I’m not going to spend too much time on the officials, but they know what they were doing. The whistle leaned towards Boston in hopes that this series would head back to Milwaukee at 2-2. Not my fault, these guys can not figure out how to win even when Giannis isn’t in the lineup.

Highlight of the Night: Planet Pat’s nasty throwdown that sucked the air out of Boston.

Playoff P ALWAYS hustling!! 💪#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/o7zp7tP8lh

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 7, 2019

Next up: Bucks will go for the gentlemen’s sweep and try to win in five games. Bucks are a 9.5 point favorite. The first half will be very important. If the Bucks get off to a fast start, the Celtics will not respond to the ball. If Milwaukee opens the door, this game will definitely be closer than nine points.