Giannis Antetokounmpo took the spotlight for the Bucks once again with 27 points, as Milwaukee was able to stave off a feisty Grizzlies team, 106-96.
The Bucks received major help from the bench, with key contributions from Michael Beasley and rookie Malcolm Brogdon. Beasley tallied a season-high 19 points while Brogdon mixed in 13 points.
The nine year veteran became hot especially in the fourth quarter, a period in which he put up nine of his 19 points. and five of a 9-2 Bucks run early in the stanza with 9:59 to play, extending their lead to 86-72.
That lead would get as high as 14 points, but the Grizzlies would claw their way back. An insertion of Zach Randolph off the bench had implications, as a layup at the 4:41 mark would make it a five point game at 95-90.
Chandler Parson would then connect on a 3-point shot from deep to cut Milwaukee’s lead to 99-96. Antetokounmpo would then split a pair of free throws on the other end, but make up for it with a massive block on Parsons. On the next transition, Greg Monroe would lay-in a basket to push the Bucks lead to 102-96 with just over two minutes left.
From that point on, Milwaukee would not look back, holding the Grizzlies scoreless the remaining minutes.
Many credited the impacts made off the bench for the Bucks, one being Giannis Antetokounmpo, who praised the play of Malcolm Brogdon.
“For me, Malcolm [Brogdon] is not a rookie,” said Antetokounmpo. “He’s a 10-year veteran in this league.”
Antetokounmpo would continue his praise for Brogdon.
“He’s so freaking mature, it’s unbelievable,” he said.”The energy, he scores the ball, he defends the ball, passes the ball and finds open people. We need that on this team.”
The Bucks now head to Atlanta for a matchup with the Hawks on Wednesday and will then take on the Heat in Miami on Thursday. They will return to action in Milwaukee at the BMO Harris Bradley Center next Saturday to face the Golden State Warriors.