MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks’ first possession on Sunday evening was not a masterpiece. They took their time setting up a pick-and-roll with Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the former nearly threw the ball away with a risky pass. After securing possession, Giannis then dropped it down to a cutting Brook Lopez, who missed a layup but was bailed out with a foul call and got to the line for two free throws – both of which he made.
A bit sloppy, not at all how they drew it up, but ultimately good enough thanks to a big contribution from Lopez.
That turned out to be the story of the day for the Bucks, who were not at their best in Game 1 of their first-round series with the Chicago Bulls but pulled out a 93-86 win despite turning the ball over 21 times, shooting 26.3 percent from 3-point land and trailing with less than six minutes to play.
Antetokounmpo was the driving force as per usual, finishing with 27 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks, but even he needs help sometimes. In Game 1 he got it from Lopez, who was the Bucks’ second-leading scorer and went for 18 points, five rebounds and two blocks in one of his best performances since returning from back surgery in March.
“[Brook was] a huge key to the game tonight,” Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Both ends of the court he was very good. A lot of big plays, finishing around the basket. He started the game well, finished the game well, a lot of plays around the rim defensively. He was very important.”
Lopez played a major role in the Bucks’ quick start, throwing his weight around in the paint on both ends of the floor, and hitting a deep 3-pointer off a feed from Giannis. After the first six minutes he was matching the Bulls by himself (11 points each), and the Bucks were up by 14.
The game could have, and perhaps should have, turned into a rout from there, but the Bucks’ rust and sloppiness…
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