Milwaukee Bucks looked well on their way to snapping a three-game losing streak. They were up by 18 points heading into the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers who have been one of the league’s best teams in the last month. We all knew Cleveland would have one more run in them, but little did we know, it would come with LeBron James on the bench as their bench mob came through with a feverish run to put Cavs in the lead at one point. Milwaukee found some resolve and won this game, 119-115, thanks to big shot by Tony Snell and Giannis Antetokounmpo making a last second steal.

In LeBron v. Giannis Round III – Giannis finally gets one
I can’t stress enough how important this win was for the Bucks. It does snap a three-game skid, but more importantly, it shows Milwaukee they can beat Cleveland. That’s crucial if these teams meet in the playoffs (Everyone wants a LeBron v. Giannis conference semifinal). These players including Giannis needed to see themselves beat this Cavaliers team. In the battle of stat lines, I still might give it to Antetokounmpo despite James scoring 39 points. He had only one rebound and turned the ball over seven times. Giannis nearly triple-doubled with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists.

Khris Middleton’s big second quarter
It doesn’t really shine in the box score as Khris Middleton finished with 18 points, but he had a massive first half that helped push the Bucks out in front. Middleton made all seven of his 15 shot attempts in the first half. He couldn’t miss in the second quarter when Milwaukee put 39 points on Cleveland. This is the type of thing that will help the Bucks win ball games. Giannis doesn’t always have to be the focal point, and if Middleton and Eric Bledsoe can do some of the work, it become a beautiful thing.

Jason Kidd is an idiot Pt 29
Man, Milwaukee really has a dumb coach. Kidd wanted Middleton to intentionally miss the second shot because he worried about a four-point play. He thought it would be more difficult for LeBron to make a full-court shot then have an attempt at a four-point play. I really have no more words. He overthinks more than I did when I was in college talking to girls.

Next up
Milwaukee stays home and welcomes in Charlotte to the Bradley Center on Friday night. It should be a wild crowd as most are home for the holidays, and I’m sure people will want to watch Giannis. Milwaukee is 1-1 on the year against the struggling Hornets. Dwight Howard will be an issue for this skinny front line.

Charlie.