Milwaukee Bucks Never Look Back In 123-99 Win Over Dallas Mavericks
The Milwaukee Bucks concluded the three-game homestand against the Dallas Mavericks at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. The Bucks blew out the Mavericks 123-99. Milwaukee improved to 30-45 and has a one-game winning streak. Dallas fell to 24-52 and has a two-game losing streak.
In Case You Missed It
The Dallas Mavericks suffered a blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-94 at American Airlines Center on Monday. Daniel Gafford led the Mavericks with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 24 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists.
According to Mavs PR, Dwight Powell recorded 9 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Powell, 34, became the first player in the shot clock era (since 1954-55) to record 9+ points without a single field goal attempt. The previous record was 8 points, achieved by multiple players.
The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers 127-113 at Fiserv Forum on Sunday. Gary Trent Jr. led the Bucks with 36 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists. Bennedict Mathurin led the Clippers with 28 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks Starters
The Milwaukee Bucks’ starting lineup featured Ryan Rollins, Trent Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Jericho Sims, and Myles Turner.
The Bucks ruled out Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee synovitis), Giannis Antetokounmpo (left knee hyperextension), Bobby Portis (left wrist sprain), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (left calf strain), and Gary Harris (personal reasons).
The Dallas Mavericks’ starting lineup featured Ryan Nembhard, Max Christie, Cooper Flagg, Khris Middleton, and Daniel Gafford.
The Mavericks ruled out Dereck Lively II (right foot surgery), Kyrie Irving (left knee surgery), PJ Washington (illness), Naji Marshall (illness), Caleb Martin (right plantar fascia strain), Marvin Bagley III (left shoulder impingement), and Klay Thompson (rest).
Bucks vs. Mavericks Recap
Tuesday’s game showed a battle of the bottom-feeders, but it’s important to note that Dallas played its make-up game at Milwaukee. The two teams were scheduled to play on Jan. 25, but Dallas’ flight delay — due to inclement weather in the DFW — postponed the matchup.
Middleton, a former Milwaukee Buck, scored points in the paint to help Dallas get on the board in the first quarter. Kuzma found Sims for a slam dunk. Kuzma followed up with an and-one bucket. Milwaukee took a 38-31 lead to end the first.
Rollins hit back-to-back three-pointers early in the second quarter. Milwaukee took a double-digit lead, 44-33, at the 9:50 mark. Dallas responded as Flagg rocked the rim with a dunk. Milwaukee took a 65-51 lead into halftime.
Daniel Gafford suffered a right shoulder stinger in the second quarter, limped to the locker room, and didn’t return to Tuesday’s game. Gafford, 27, had seven points, four points, and one block in 11 minutes.
Milwaukee gave a shoutout to Green Bay Packers Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who attended the game, in the third quarter. Trent Jr. hit a step-back three-pointer. Flagg dominated on both ends of the court. Milwaukee took a 90-70 lead through three quarters.
Milwaukee took its largest lead of the game, 115-87, in the fourth quarter. AJ Green hit his fourth three-pointer. Flagg served as Dallas’ silver lining, but Milwaukee pulled together on offense without Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee won 123-99 in regulation.
Next Steps
The Bucks head to Space City for a one-game road tilt against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Central. The Bucks’ pace control, rebounding edge, and offensive rebounding could lead to a potential win over the Rockets.
The Mavericks return to the “Big D” to open a two-game homestand starting with the Orlando Magic on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Central. The Mavericks’ pace, strong first-half success, and key player utilization can lead to a potential upset of the Magic.
