The top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks continued its reign over the number eight seed Detroit Pistons in Game 3 of their first round series match-up.
The first two games in Milwaukee pretty much had the same theme: Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominance.
Game 1 saw the MVP candidate flex his muscles, as he opened his 2019 playoff campaign with a strong 24-point, 17-rebound performance in just 23 minutes.
In Game 2, the Greek Freak was his dominant self, notching 26 points and 12 rebounds in 30 minutes. He, together with Eric Bledsoe, and Khris Middleton combined for 77 of Milwaukee's 120 points on Wednesday.
However, with their superstar saddled with foul trouble in Game 3, the Bucks relied on their depth and balance to defeat the Pistons, 119-103.
Antetokounmpo scored just 14 points on 5-of-13 shooting, and had four turnovers. In fact, he was a minus-7 in his 28 minutes on the floor.
Nevertheless, Milwaukee proved last night that they are not just a one-man show. Brook Lopez (+27), George Hill (+27), and Ersan Ilyasova (+23) led the team in plus-minus. They also made a concerted effort on the boards on Saturday as six Bucks collected at least five rebounds.
Seven Bucks players scored in double-figures led by All-Star forward Khris Middleton, who finished with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting – including three 3-pointers. Splash Mountain Brook Lopez added 19 points and made three triples as well.
In fact, a total of four Bucks players converted the same amount of 3-pointers on the night, the two others being Ilyasova and Nikola Mirotic.
Milwaukee's bench outscored Detroit's bench 42-27, led by Ilyasova's 15 points on the night. Furthermore, the Bucks' bench moved the ball well and took care of the rock as they had nine assists and only two turnovers in 93 total minutes.
With the Boston Celtics coming up next in the second round, Milwaukee will certainly need more all-around games like these, instead of just relying on their Greek superstar to carry them most of the time.
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