Skip to main content

The Milwaukee Bucks have already endured two humiliating losses this season, and for a while on Wednesday, they were on the brink of suffering another disappointing defeat when their main man was tossed.

Giannis Antetokounmp was ejected in the third quarter, and the Bucks lost a double-digit lead and fell by as many as 10 points in the final quarter against the Detroit Pistons. Milwaukee, however, fought back and went on to chalk up an epic 120-118 victory.

Greek Freak with the props

After the game, Antetokounmpo was quick to give his teammates a pat on the back for holding the fort in his absence as the Bucks went on to secure their third straight win and improve to 5-2 in the season.

“Great team win,” Giannis said on his social media accounts.

The Greek Freak had collected 15 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and three blocks before his ejection.

Dame and Brook save the day for Milwaukee

Milwaukee was already without Khris Middleton due to injury management, and after Giannis got tossed, Damian Lillard took over by scoring 18 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter.

Brook Lopez also starred in the win, hitting a crucial three-pointer and coming up with a block in the dying seconds that preserved Milwaukee’s victory.

“That was the shot of the night,” Lillard said of Lopez’s crucial triple that extended Milwaukee's lead to 119-115 with 40 seconds left.

Lillard said the Bucks are such a fortunate team for having a player like Brook, who could impact the game on both ends of the floor.

“Just having a guy who can protect the paint the way, knowing that you’re funneling guys to him. But also knowing that he’s that type of threat from three. I had all the confidence in the world when he shot it, and it was a big-time shot,” said Lillard.