Milwaukee Bucks looked like they were ready to make a statement to the league. They’ve been playing well of late. And this would have been their sixth straight win. Milwaukee lead by 16 at halftime. As we know, leads are never safe in the NBA. Phoenix shot back early in the third then again in the latter part with a huge 20-2 run that spanned the third and fourth quarter. Milwaukee’s winning streak is over and they’re now 3-1 on the road trip. Giannis Antetokounmpo had one of his best games of the year, but it was not enough against Phoenix.

What went wrong for the Bucks? – Jrue Holiday’s absence played a difference in this one: Sadly not having Jrue Holiday in this game hurt Milwaukee. Holiday could have prevented what happened with Chris Paul and Devin Booker down the stretch. Not having him out there led to easy buckets for both Paul and Booker. It also wore down Khris Middleton who was doing it all out there.

What also went wrong for the Bucks – Can’t make mental errors late in close games: Here’s how the Bucks lost if you simplify it. Middleton makes one free throw, they’re tied and in overtime. Make two, they win. Donte DiVincenzo had a brutal turnover late as well as Middleton. Bucks cannot be making those kinds of errors late in games. That seems to be happening far too often. Charlotte was a disaster of a game, but Milwaukee had a chance in the fourth except for the turnovers. Those need to be cleaned up late.

Player of the Game: Giannis Antetokounmpo – What a game for the Greek Freak. He finished with 47 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. The dude was an absolute force out there tonight. He babied DeAndre Ayton all game long then when they had to go small, there was no answer for Giannis. He will not get an MVP this year, but Antetokounmpo is starting to look the part again. Love that from him.

Next up: Milwaukee heads to Utah to play the best team in the NBA right now. Jazz whooped the Bucks earlier this year, so, I’m excited to see what might happen on Friday. Seriously, there is a legit excitement about this one to see what happens with the Jazz. They’re very good.

Charlie.