The series: and 13 for the Bucks … without Giannis
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury to his right knee following six short minutes on the floor threw a chill at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. But fans of the franchise may see the Bucks’ 13th-straight success as a consolation prize. Leading by 17 points at the break, Mike Budenholzer’s men were never worried by Floridians who were going through a day without.
If Jrue Holiday scored 24 points, took 5 rebounds and distilled 7 assists, the whole collective of Milwaukee contributed. Six Bucks players scored ten points or more, Bobby Portis even allowed himself a double-double in 22 minutes (18 points, 11 rebounds). This dynamic puts the 2021 NBA champions one win away from the Eastern Conference leaders Celtics.
The perf: Klay Thompson power 12
His performance of the night recalled his greatest hours. In the victory of the Warriors once morest the Rockets (116-101), a man stood out: Klay Thompson. For the third time in his career, the Golden State guard has reached the total of 12 three-point shots scored. All with an exceptional percentage (70% success behind the arc).
Of his first 15 shots, 14 were from long range. A choice that we can hardly blame him for as his confidence was high. If he barely managed to tickle his record of 14 award-winning shots, Thompson finished the game with 42 points and allowed the Warriors to return to balance (30v., 30d.).
The player: Julius Randle in serial shooter mode
The Knicks had the opportunity to continue their good series and chain a fourth success in a row once morest the Wizards. If Washington was able to count on an 11-point lead at the end of the first quarter (38-27), it was the New Yorkers who won. Without skimping on his number of attempts, Julius Randle equaled his career high points (46 points at 16/29 shooting, 7 of 14 from three points) and filled the clumsiness of Jalen Brunson (6/20 shooting) . The Knicks are still firmly attached to the last direct jump seat for the play-offs (6th with 34v.-, 27d.).
