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The Milwaukee Bucks bounced back from a slow beginning and established a comfortable lead in the second half, securing a 136-111 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum.
Despite being labeled as probable due to left shoulder tendinopathy, Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed with a double-double, scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in just 25 minutes before the final quarter. Following a stretch of three consecutive triple-doubles earlier in the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season, he also recorded five assists and one block on Thursday night.
“It’s important to complete what you start in a game. I have full confidence in my teammates to finish things off. I trust they can handle situations like this when my coaching staff advised me to rest and prepare for the next game,” he stated during the postgame press conference, referring to the second half of the back-to-back and an upcoming match against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.
Under Doc Rivers’ guidance, the team can secure the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a win in Detroit on Friday.
“I’m pleased with our current position. We’re competing well and scoring effectively. We maintain our composure no matter the timing or the score,” the Greek Freak said, reflecting on the team’s performance as they look toward the 2025 Playoffs presented by Google.
“I’m enjoying myself. When I’m having fun, I’m able to compete, and that puts me in a good state. It’s not about the minutes I play or the challenges ahead,” he shared his mindset, adding, “I just want to enjoy the game and compete.”
Starting for the Pelicans, Croatian player Karlo Matkovic played close to 30 minutes, achieving a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal.
In Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Indiana Pacers secured the fourth seed in the East by narrowly defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 114-112.
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