Many expected a heated Thursday night battle between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies. After all, these are top-two seeds in their respective conferences thus far this season. Moreover, they have superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ja Morant squaring off, a matchup that's sure to exhilarate even the most casual fan. But the game became ugly for the Bucks, and fast.

From the first quarter, it was clear that the Bucks, simply, didn't have it tonight. The Grizzlies ran off to a 33-18 lead to end the first quarter, and they did not look back. They continued to put the Bucks to the sword, racing to a 70-41 lead at the half behind Morant's total control of the game and Steven Adams' stifling defense. And to rub salt on the Bucks' wounds, they just couldn't keep pace with the Grizzlies' firepower.

Thus far, Memphis has led by as many as 50 points, 121-71. And NBA Twitter is dumbfounded as to how the Bucks, of all teams, despite missing Jrue Holiday, could falter to this poorly a degree.

https://twitter.com/Prince_BOS/status/1603588912936624130?s=20&t=qnHHhkgj0g7uhlA-Udi2Zw

Giannis Antetokounmpo, after an uncharacteristic 9-26 performance two nights ago, struggled from the field yet again, going 5-13, clearly not being his best self. Meanwhile, Khris Middleton would want to put himself through the neuralyzer after a horrid 1-12, four-turnover performance, with a flagrant foul and an airball that's just indicative of how terribly the night has gone for the Bucks.

Article Continues Below
More Milwaukee Bucks News
Bucks news: Shams Charania responds to Giannis' missing 'Woj' post
Shams Charania responds to Bucks star Giannis’ missing ‘Woj’ postChris Spiering ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes up for a dunk in overtime as Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) follows on the play at Kaseya Center.
Stephen A. Smith’s 1-word Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo take may frustrate fansMalik Brown ·
Apr 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Bucks rumors: Brian Windhorst makes firm declaration on Giannis Antetokounmpo tradeZachary Weinberger ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center.
Bucks rumors: What Milwaukee is ‘selling’ Giannis AntetokounmpoMalik Brown ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after scoring his 20,000th career point in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 5-word Adrian Wojnarowski post goes viralJedd Pagaduan ·
image thumbnail
Bucks rumors: Shams explains ‘difference’ in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade situationJulian Ojeda ·

https://twitter.com/liljaylaaaaa/status/1603588159048396801?s=20&t=qnHHhkgj0g7uhlA-Udi2Zw

https://twitter.com/GarricksGarr4/status/1603588198239805442?s=20&t=qnHHhkgj0g7uhlA-Udi2Zw

Of course, these are overreactions. People are prisoners of the moment. Antetokounmpo and Middleton should bounce back soon, given their track record.

On the other hand, Ja Morant continues to impress. In only 26 minutes, Morant dropped a 26-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double. He punctuated his night with an incredible alley-oop to Brandon Clarke.

https://twitter.com/nbadaves/status/1603583405702127618?s=20&t=qnHHhkgj0g7uhlA-Udi2Zw

https://twitter.com/TrapCinephile/status/1603587681358839808?s=20&t=qnHHhkgj0g7uhlA-Udi2Zw

The Bucks will have one-day off to pick themselves up following this demoralizing 142-101 loss. They will take on the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will look to keep it rolling when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team they destroyed by 73-points last season, on Saturday.