It was just another day at the office for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as they took the court for one last Milwaukee Bucks preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies, which the Bucks won 124-116. This was the final preseason game before the regular season start against the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 26.
The Bucks rallied from an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter, thanks to MarJon Beauchamp and AJ Green’s explosive enthusiasm on the court. Beauchamp finished with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three-point range. Green made three three-point shots.
While Antetokounmpo and Lillard made their preseason debuts against the Los Angeles Lakers, this was the first time Bucks fans were able to see the Big Three with Khris Middleton finally making his preseason debut. Middleton started alongside Dame, Giannis, Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley, who seems like he’s going to be the fifth starter to begin the season.
In the opening five minutes of the game, Middleton was one for three with two assists, while Antetokounmpo had eight points, two assists, and Dame supplied five points. The Bucks immediately built an 18-12 lead over Memphis. Lillard and Lopez returned for the second quarter, pushing the Bucks to a 38-35 lead, and they went 9-0 on three-point attempts due to Beasley, Jae Crowder, and Lopez. Middleton played seven minutes in the second quarter and finished his night with 12 minutes of action at intermission. He was moving well and swiftly, which was encouraging after having knee surgery in May
Antetokounmpo showed up and showed out once again, leading the team with 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He was just two for eight from the free-throw line, but was 12-for-18 from the floor (66%). Giannis had 27 minutes of gametime through three quarters.
Lillard also had 27 minutes of playing time, finishing his night with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting, and 2-of-9 from the three-point range, three assists, and three rebounds
Despite having 11 points and five rebounds, Brook Lopez was punished for five fouls, including a technical penalty after arguing with an official off-court after being called for his fifth in the third quarter.
Bobby Portis Sits This One Out, Cam Payne Injured
Bobby Portis did not play in Friday’s contest as he was ruled out to what would later be revealed as a right knee contusion. Doesn’t sound too serious, but coach Adrian Griffin probably wanted to play it safe so he’s ready to go for Thursday’s regular season opener.
Point guard Cam Payne left the game with just eight minutes left in the second quarter and did not return. Payne was ultimately ruled out of the game with a right thigh contusion (bruise). The contusion was still being evaluated to determine severity.
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