Though cutting the lead to just a pair of points in the waning seconds of the game, the firepower of the Warriors offense proved to be too much for the Bucks, as they fell 124-121.
Kevin Durant headlined the way with 33 points, Klay Thompson poured in 29 and Steph Curry had a quiet 20 points. 25 of Thompson’s points came in the second half.
Golden State pushed their lead to 14 when a Thompson two-point shot made it 116-102 at the 7:31 mark. It seemed as if the Bucks would keel over and concede at that point, but a vicious comeback put the game in a reachable distance.
A 12-2 run was sparked by a Mirza Teletovic 3-pointer with 6:52 remaining. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Stephen Curry would then trade two-point baskets, but Antetokounmpo answered with a 3-pointer from the top of the key to slice the deficit to single digits.
Jabari Parker then made his imprints on the game, making a driving layup. On the ensuing possession, Antetokounmpo would drive to the rack and be fouled, nearly producing an and-1. He would convert on both free throws, making it a four point game at 118-114 with a little over four minutes to go.
Baskets would continue being traded and resulted in Jabari Parker heading to the line in to convert an and-1 with 2:32 to play. The Bucks defense would prove key in the end, forcing multiple stops from the mighty Warriors offense, including a Kevin Durant jumper in the lane that was rebounded by Tony Snell. The Bucks had a chance to take the lead with ten seconds remaining with the score sitting at 122-120.
However, it was not meant to be, as on the ensuing in-bounds, Tony Snell would throw a bad pass. Draymond Green got a hand on the ball, which was then snared by Klay Thompson. Green expressed his confidence in being aware of the Bucks’ intentions.
“I already knew what play they were running,” said Green. “They have two plays that they run in situations like that. Once Giannis [Antetokounmpo] was down at the block, I already knew what they were running so I was just waiting on them to pass the ball in.”
Perhaps the biggest question mark of the night came in regards to Head Coach Jason Kidd and his rotations. John Henson started the game at center and Miles Plumlee was the primary backup. Greg Monroe played only two minutes.
“We’re trying to give those guys [Plumlee and Henson] some confidence,” said Kidd. There’s going to be limited time to play three centers in today’s game. Small ball is big and sometimes the schedule doesn’t permit you to play three or four centers, and playing Giannis [Antetokounmpo] at center has given us a spark.”
Greg Monroe did not have much to say regarding the matter, telling media to take up the issue with Jason Kidd.
The Bucks have two upcoming games at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. They play the Orlando Magic on Monday and will face the Toronto Raptors on Friday, Nov. 25.