Dmytro Aksonov

Indoor floodlit basketball arena full of spectators – full 3D

This season, The NBA hosted an in-season tournament for the first time. This tournament included many teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks. There is no doubt that the Bucks are a strong team having made the NBA finals two years ago. The Bucks were placed in the East Group B and after winning their first set of games, they sat in a comfortable first place spot heading into the next round. A couple of teams managed to keep games within a few points, but mostly the Bucks won by 10 or 15 points. 

Unfortunately the Bucks had a rough loss to the Pacers in the semi-final round. Because this loss knocked them out of the tournament. Despite this loss, there is no doubt though that the Bucks made their fans proud in the tournament. For instance, Giannis Antetokounmpo managed to score a career high of 64 points in one game. Because of Giannis’s great game he wanted the game ball, but the packers took the ball and Giannis had a skirmish with them.

The new point guard for the Bucks – Damian Lillard –  also had a great game, dropping a total of 24 points. Damian Lillard also had seven assists. Another impressive stat for this point guard is his four. While these stats are notable, they are not enough to make Lillard stand out among other talented point guards in the league. However, Damian Lillard’s ability to bring the ball down the court and always manage to create plays even when teams were playing high presses is something that makes analysts and competitors take notice. 

Although the Bucks trip to Las Vegas to play in this tournament was cut short, they all had reason to come home with a good feeling in their hearts because they played well and made connections with each other on the court. Unfortunately, there will also be some bitterness because a loss is a loss and in a professional sport, that really hurts. 

References

“Milwaukee Bucks conclude In-Season Tournament run with positive thoughts on and off court.” Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 8 December 2023, https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nba/bucks/2023/12/08/milwaukee-bucks-in-season-tournament-brought-positives-on-and-off-court/71848493007/.

Grez, Matias. “Giannis Antetokounmpo drops career-high 64 points as post-game scuffle mars Milwaukee Bucks victory over the Indiana Pacers.” CNN, 14 December 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/14/sport/giannis-antetokounmpo-career-high-milwaukee-bucks-indiana-pacers-spt-intl/index.html.