THE BUCKS GET BACK ON TRACK

(Morry Gash/ Associated Press)

A big time home win, Middleton’s return, and a near 50 bomb from Giannis (47) . Despite the fact that LeBron James was out, the Lakers still posed a difficult test for a Bucks team without Donte Divincenzo and Brook Lopez. This was a very unconventional match-up between the last two NBA champs. Both teams have been off to some very slow starts. The Lakers who have been struggling to find their identity with a newly overhauled roster, in addition to losing LeBron for multiple games due to injury were 8-7 coming into play. Meanwhile, the Bucks entered play at 6-8. Prior to Wednesday's contest, they had only played two games all season with the trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday. On account of this early adversity, coupled with the fact that many teams in the league are off to lightning quick starts, both teams desperately needed a win. The game was back and forth in the first quarter with the Lakers leading 32-30. The Bucks started the second half with an 11 point lead. The Lakers made it close throughout the 2nd half, but the Bucks held on to a 7 point win. On the Lakers side, Talen Horton-Tucker impressed with 25 points and 12 boards. Westbrook and Davis added 19 and 18 respectively. For the Bucks, Khris Middleton being back in the starting lineup was a sight for sore eyes after eight games on the covid-19 list. The two time all-star had a respectable 16 points and 6 assists in 30 minutes. Bobby Portis also did his fair share with 17 points. The story of the night however was Giannis Antetokounmpo. The star from Athens has already proven that he shows up when the lights are the brightest, and tonight was no different. Giannis erupted for 47 points on 78% shooting to go along with 9 rebounds. One of the biggest takeaways from tonight's game is that the Bucks are a completely different team when their big three is healthy. It was certainly a big win, but the Bucks have an even better opportunity to get back on track in the next four games. Each of the next four are all at home and against teams with sub .500 records. If the Bucks handle business, they could be sitting at 11-8 heading into their next road trip and right back into the thick of a tightly contested eastern conference race.