Eight members of the Dallas Mavericks traveled to take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, as nine players were out with an injury, including Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, P.J. Washington, and more. Against an MVP candidate like Giannis Antetokounmpo and a perennial All-Star like Damian Lillard, the Mavs faced a massive uphill battle.
The Mavs hung on for a little bit, even taking a brief 19-18 lead early in the first quarter. but Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and Kyle Kuzma poured in buckets in the first quarter. An 18-3 run by the Bucks gave them the first initial push they needed, as while the Mavericks could get the lead down to six a few times, Milwaukee would continue to score. Dallas couldn't do anything to stop them without a rim protector, and the Bucks quickly built the lead to 20 and, eventually, 30 on their way to a 137-107 victory.
Here are three takeaways from Wednesday's loss for the Mavericks.
READ MORE: Bucks smoke depleted Mavs, 137-107, as Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo dominate
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives for the basket against Dallas Mavericks center Dwight Powell (7) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images / Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard combined for 66 points, 18 rebounds, and 9 assists while shooting 24/35 from the floor. Dallas could do nothing to stop them, especially Lillard, who was lethal from three. It's not surprising since the Mavs were missing all of their rim protectors, as well as a few of their best perimeter defenders. The Bucks overall shot 58.4% from the floor.
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson
Dallas Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) warms up before the game against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Klay Thompson led the Mavericks in scoring with 28 points, but he shot 11/27 from the floor, easily his most shot attempts in a game this season. His previous high was 19. This might be how the Mavs look for the rest of the season, with Kyrie Irving out for the season and Anthony Davis on the mend. It won't lead to many wins.
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall
Dallas Mavericks forward Naji Marshall (13) dunks against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Naji Marshall has been struggling with his three-point shot. He had been 5/32 from deep over the last eight games entering Wednesday night. While they came well into garbage time, Marshall finally knocked down a few three-pointers on his way to 22 points. Hopefully, that can give him some confidence moving forward.
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