The Bucks put on one of their better defensive performances of the season, especially down the stretch, rebounding from Wednesday’s loss to beat the Lakers 105-101. Milwaukee ended their season series with the Lakers in a 1-1 split, after the Lakers blew them out back in November. As for the standings, the Bucks move within half a game of the Bulls for the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Player Grades
Giannis Antetokounmpo
31 minutes, 21 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 4 turnovers, 9/11 FG, 3/4 FT, +6
Despite not having his highest scoring night, Giannis made some big defensive plays in the fourth quarter. The last steal stands out, but he also had a block on LeBron with 39 seconds left, when the Lakers had tied the game back up at 101-101. This was one of the better defensive performances I’ve seen from Giannis in a bit.
Kevin Porter Jr.
39 minutes, 22 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 turnovers, 7/14 FG, 1/3 3PT, 7/10 FT, +5
KPJ was out for a bit, but he toughed out what the Bucks described as a hip contusion to play 39 minutes. I think his turnovers were still a problem, but he hit four free throws that won the Bucks the game.
Ryan Rollins
31 minutes, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2/13 FG, 1/7 3PT, 5/6 FT, +1
It was a night to forget on the offensive end for Rollins, but that didn’t stop him from having a big impact on this game. He tied with three other Bucks for the second-most rebounds secured in the game, and played his usual stellar defense. That was also a sick pass to Turner, giving the Bucks a three-point lead late in the fourth.
Myles Turner
23 minutes, 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 turnovers, 5 fouls, 2/4 3PT, +0
Turner had a rough start to this game, picking up two early fouls. He settled in a bit, though, and hit a big-time three late in the game. I would like to see him more involved on offense outside of shooting threes, but he did what he was asked to do well enough for the Bucks to win.
35 minutes, 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 3/6 3PT, +10
While he cooled off from his 3/3 start, this was the most comfortable I’ve seen Green on offense since he came back from his shoulder injury. Hopefully, he can keep this momentum going.
Kyle Kuzma
23 minutes, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 5/10 FG, 2/2 FT, -4
The former Laker had some nice moments returning to his old stomping grounds, including a nifty reverse layup. In general, though, he played within himself on both ends of the court.
Bobby Portis
30 minutes, 11 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 5/12 FG, 1/5 3PT, +2
Even with the three-point shot not falling last night, BP had himself a decent game. There were spurts of competent defensive play, and you can’t argue with a 12-rebound performance. Now, if only he’d stop taking the ball into the post for an isolation every time he touches the ball.
Gary Trent Jr.
19 minutes, 6 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2/5 3PT, -6
In all honesty, the All-Star break can’t come soon enough for Trent. His three-point percentage is down by five percent from last season. Luka also dominated him, so it was a rough night for Trent all around.
Doc Rivers
I have criticized Doc ad nauseam for his use of Turner this season, but for tonight at least, I get it. Bringing Bobby in so early actually helped the Bucks get going on that 13-3 first-quarter run. That early hook probably helped settle Turner in, and it paid off in the end.
Limited Minutes: Gary Harris
DNP-CD: Cole Anthony, Andre Jackson Jr, Jericho Sims, Amir Coffey, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Taurean Prince, Alex Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance
Bonus Bucks Bits
With the win, the Bucks are now 4-7 against Western Conference teams this season.
Bobby Portis, with his 11 points and 12 rebounds, had his sixth double-double of the season. Five of them have come in the last 11 games.
Rollins really knows how to make winning plays. There was one sequence, with the game tied at 90, where, on one end, he grabbed an offensive rebound after his own miss and then grabbed a defensive rebound on the next possession. A guard having that rebounding ability is special.
Credit the Bucks defense for holding Doncic in check after the last time they played. Milwaukee held him to 24 points on 8/25 shooting (32%), three turnovers, and just eight free throws (he averages 12 per game).
Much like Jimmy Butler on Wednesday night, seeing Doncic foul bait and complain to the refs is not a fun viewing experience.
The Bucks have now won two straight games against the Lakers in LA. The last time the Lakers claimed a home-court win over Milwaukee was on Mar. 8, 2024.
The Bucks will finish their four-game road trip on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets, who are without Nikola Jokic. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time, and will be televised on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.