The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 30 points and 12 rebounds, crushed the New Orleans Pelicans 141-117 during Saturday’s NBA action. This victory featured four Bucks players scoring at least 20 points each, tying the team’s fourth-largest margin of victory.
Doc Rivers is set to begin his tenure as the head coach of the Bucks, a team that recently showcased one of its most commanding performances of the season.
Shooting an impressive 56%, the Bucks triumphed under interim head coach Joe Prunty in their third and final game following the dismissal of Adrian Griffin on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo commended Prunty’s leadership, especially given the tight schedule of three games in four days.
“It’s crazy that he’s never been a head coach in this league,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s insane.”
Rivers will officially start coaching with the Bucks on Monday, facing off against the current NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets. The Bucks have recently won seven of their last nine games and are entering a crucial five-game road trip.
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Damian Lillard, who contributed 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds to the win, spoke about the team’s increased focus and energy amidst the recent changes. He emphasized the importance of staying united and continuing their current form.
“I think the last couple of games we’ve played, we’ve just had good energy,” Lillard said. “I think our team recognizes everything that’s happening around us, and we’ve just kind of come closer and just focused even more on games. Once we get to Denver, it’ll be similar. We’ve just got to stay connected and stay on the same path that we’ve been on the last couple of games.”
Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis were other key contributors for Milwaukee, scoring 24 points and adding 20. Despite efforts from Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the Pelicans couldn’t match the Bucks’ intensity. Jonas Valanciunas also chipped in with a double-double for New Orleans.
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Both teams were looking to rebound from losses the previous night, with the Bucks having fallen to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Pelicans suffering a defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Bucks’ ability to perform well with no rest days was highlighted, improving their record to 6-1 in such scenarios.
Pelicans coach Willie Green acknowledged the Bucks’ dominance and called for improved effort and accountability from his team, which was beginning a four-game trip.
“Give them credit,” Green said. “They dominated the game. It was really a lackluster performance on our part, and it starts with me. I’ve got to hold our guys more accountable. This is a tough back-to-back. We know it, flying up here. They had a back-to-back as well, probably some tired legs, but our fight has to be better. Those guys in the locker room, they know it.”
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Khris Middleton rested for Milwaukee due to load management on his knee, while Williamson returned for the Pelicans after missing a game due to a foot injury.
The Bucks maintained control throughout the game after taking the lead in the first quarter, eventually stretching their advantage to as much as 34 points.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face the Boston Celtics, while the Bucks will meet the Denver Nuggets, with both games scheduled for Monday.
