Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks escaped a close game against the Houston Rockets due to the sequence on both ends for the stars. On Monday, the Bucks escaped a potential loss from the Rockets and earned their fifth win of the season, being the Rockets, 101-100.
Antetokounmpo had a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds in their win, including three blocks. The Greek Freak had seven attempts from the free-throw line. Unfortunately for Milwaukee, he only made two shots from the charity stripe.
Damian Lillard, his All-Star teammate, found it difficult to contribute offensively. Lillard shot 33.3% from the field and finished the game with 18 points and 10 assists. Despite having six attempts from beyond the arc, the seasoned guard was unable to make any shots.
The Rockets had an opportunity to extend their lead to three points during the game’s last sequence. However, Antetokounmpo saved the Bucks with his defense and blocked the shot from center Alperen Sengun. Milwaukee secured the ball and gave it to Lillard for the game-winning shot.
The Bucks star was up against one of the best perimeter defenders in Dillon Brooks but created space to shoot the game-winning layup to seal the win.
When the game was over, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked how he got the block that allowed the team to triumph.
“Vintage,” Giannis said. “I don’t know how I got up. I didn’t think I could get it but I was able to get my fingertips to the ball. I’m happy that [Fred] VanVleet did not slip this time, I was able to get my team a stop. I think great defensive stop by the team, went the other way, got to our spots, gave Dame the ball, got the matchup that he wanted, was able to get in the paint and finish the game for us.”
Reporters asked the two-time MVP about Brook Lopez’s performance. The veteran big man led the team with 27 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
“That’s not vintage, that’s like, now. He did it today, he did it two games ago. He’s playing great. He’s knocking down shots, getting in the paint, he’s being a threat, he’s protecting us defensively, he’s doing everything.”
The Bucks will start their three-game road trip on Wednesday against the Chicago Bulls.
Was Giannis Antetokounmpo out of bounds after his block on Sengun?
In the game’s final moments, Sengun was blocked by Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Bucks forward landed close to the baseline. While he didn’t initially step on the baseline, Antetokounmpo foot was over the baseline when he brought the ball up.
GIANNIS BLOCK AND DAME FOR THE WIN!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Jin9TBcodS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 19, 2024
The league has not released a statement regarding the placing of Antetokounmpo’s foot after his block.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
