Milwaukee Bucks entered this week with one of their toughest tests of the season. They would be playing Denver, Pheonix, and Utah. All three are playoff teams at the moment. Two of the games are in altitude. If Bucks come away with a 2-1 record, we all should have collective wood about it. Now throw in the fact, they also do not have Jrue Holiday who sat out due to health and protocols which makes things even harder. Milwaukee passed the first test with flying colors. They used a big second half to power them against Denver. Great performance from Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo in this one as Bucks are victorious 125-112.

Player of the Game: Khris Middleton – With Holiday out, Middleton took the role of the ‘point guard.’ Middleton did a great job moonlighting for Holiday yesterday. He was dropping dimes all over the court with 12 assists including three to Giannis. Midds accounted for 30 points himself then 30 points for the rest of his teammates with his passing. Middleton did not make a three all night but made eleven free throws too. He was dominant and these games should be appreciated more by him.

Honorable Mention: Giannis Antetokounmpo – With Giannis’ new move to the post, tonight was always going to be interesting. Giannis would go up against the likes of Nikola Jokic and Paul Milsap in the middle. At first, Antetokounmpo struggled with only nine points in the first half. Then Giannis had a massive second half with 20 points playing a role in Milwaukee pushing out their lead. The Greek Freak added nine rebounds and three blocks too.

What went right for the Bucks: Milwaukee shut down the three-point line after the torrid first quarter – Denver went 8 for 12 from three to start the game. They opened up with 42 points in the first quarter. Then Milwaukee made adjustments and that Denver offense wasn’t heard from much besides Jokic and Bucks’ killer Will Barton. For all those that like to dogpile on Milwaukee for not making adjustments, it is pretty clear the Bucks made the needed adjustments last night.

What went wrong for the Bucks: Jrue Holiday might have tested positive – Bucks have been unaffected by COVID-19 thus far. But that might be changing soon. Holiday missed Monday’s game and will not travel with the team to Phoenix. They’re saying safety and health yet if you read Middleton’s quotes after the game, it sounds like he may have contracted it. Let’s hope for a false positive.

Bucks declined to comment on Jrue Holiday's absence other than to confirm he missed tonight's game due to the league's health and safety protocols.

However, teammate Khris Middleton indicated Holiday may have "tested positive" for COVID-19.

Middleton's post-game comments: pic.twitter.com/KzmHfxC9Co

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) February 9, 2021

Next up: Milwaukee will head to Phoenix to play the Suns. Holiday will not be there. We will see if any other Bucks need to sit out because of contract tracing. The inside matchup between Giannis and DeAndre Ayton will be a good one.

Charlie.