Damian Lillard, Bucks Ripped by Fans for Loss to Grizzlies Despite Giannis’ 35 Points
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A fourth-quarter scoring burst from Giannis Antetokounmpo wasn’t enough to save the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday night.
The Bucks squandered a late lead earned by Antetokounmpo in a 113-110 loss to the host Memphis Grizzlies.
After heading into halftime with the score tied, the Bucks spent almost the entire second half trailing until Antetokounmpo went on a six-point run late in the fourth quarter.
The Grizzlies regained the lead for the final time with just under three minutes remaining, and the Bucks were not able to recover.
Antetokounmpo ended the night with a double-double of 35 points and 12 assists, while sinking 15 of his 17 shots from the field. Fans were frustrated that the star forward’s effort was not enough to will the Bucks to victory.
Fans also expressed disappointment with the connection between Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who was dealt to Milwaukee in September in a blockbuster trade meant to make the Bucks a title contender.
Lillard did not record a point after Antetokounmpo’s late scoring burst. He finished the night with 24 points on 7-for-20 shooting.
After suffering a blowout loss to the Miami Heat Wednesday, Bucks have now dropped two straight. They hold a 3-7 record in their last 10 games as the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers eat away at the team’s lead in the Eastern Conference standings.
Antetokounmpo, Lillard and the rest of the Milwaukee team will look to get back in the win column on the road Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.