In the last 12 days, the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls have played twice at Fiserv Forum. Two weeks ago, Milwaukee trailed early on until a massive second half run led the Bucks to win by 17. Tonight was different. Chicago battled all game long and even had a lead late in the fourth quarter. Fear not though, Milwaukee found a way to win. Khris Middleton hit the game-winner with five seconds left to give Milwaukee, a 116-113 victory. Bucks avoid consecutive losses yet again, and they’ve now won 16 of their first 21 games.

Player of the Game: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Of course, Giannis takes home the honors today. He had a massive game against former teammate Jabari Parker and company. Giannis finished the game with 36 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. I’d love to have a stat on ‘near triple-doubles’ because Giannis is probably in the league lead. Last two nights, he’s been less than three assists short of a triple-double.

Silver Star: Malcolm Brogdon – Nice game for the Prez who continues to be very comfortable at Fiserv Forum. Brogdon had 24 points, six assists and five rebounds. Brogdon made all six three-pointers he shot on Wednesday night. He’s been very good of late, and that’s good to see for Milwaukee. Some have been critical about his role on his team, and he’s been shutting everyone up of late.

Thing I liked – The return of Ersan: Good to see Ersan Ilyasova back in action. He returned after missing two games with a knee injury. Ersan is a valued piece to this team. This feels crazy to say after everyone overreacted to the money the Bucks gave him on day one of free agency. Ilyasova had a strong day with nine points and six rebounds in 20 minutes.

Thing I didn’t like – Double digit drama: Bucks put themselves in a hole yet again early in this game. They were down 10 after the first quarter. This is the seventh game in the last eight where Milwaukee trailed by more than 10 points in a game. It’s not an encouraging sign. On the podcast yesterday with Mitch Ross, we expressed some light concern over the Bucks getting down early. They do need to look at how they can punch teams in the mouth. But what we’re seeing from teams like the Suns, Bulls, Spurs and Hornets are the league giving Milwaukee its best game. Hard to match that intensity week in and week out.

Highlight of the night: Khris Middleton gets redemption – Great shot for Khash. He had a similar one on Monday night versus Charlotte and didn’t connect it.

KLUTCH!! #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/DWGN1wG4wB

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 29, 2018

Next up: Milwaukee heads to New York for an afternoon matinee with the Knicks on Saturday. Giannis thrives at Madison Square Garden. Knicks are coming off a woeful loss where Philadelphia blew the doors off them on Wednesday night. New York is a pesky bunch, but they have no answer for Antetokounmpo.

Charlie.