“Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton had nearly 80% of Milwaukee’s points”: Bucks superstars make NBA Playoff history in Game 3 against Kevin Durant and co.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton combine for 79% of the Bucks’ points in their Game 3 victory against the Brooklyn Nets. 

In a must win Game 3 against the Brooklyn Nets, the Milwaukee Bucks showed up and showed out; and by that I mean every Buck not named Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton stunk up Fiserv arena. After getting off to a 30-11 lead in the first quarter, the Nets rallied back with their own 31-15 second quarter run. 

The second half evened out as both squads struggled to make any shots. Kevin Durant started to get going in this half however after shooting just 2-10 from the field. This however, was balanced out with timely buckets from both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

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The Bucks would go on to win the game 86-83 after a series of goaltends and free throws called in their favor. Not to mention a major flub of a possession from Bruce Brown as he barreled into the lane with tunnel vision and botched a Brook Lopez contested layup to put the Nets up by one. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton made NBA Playoff history last night. 

In a game that revolved merely 3 players on the offensive end of the floor, the Bucks were lucky to have two of those three. Giannis dropped 33 points on 48% while Middleton had a major bounce-back game as he had 35 points on 45% shooting. Though their shooting splits aren’t the best, neither were the Nets’ as the difference maker was the Milwaukee’s defense. 

An interesting stat from Game 3 however, is the fact both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton combined for a whopping 79% of the Bucks’ points. This is the highest percentage of points scored by a duo in NBA Playoff history.

Giannis and Middleton took over for the Bucks 🤯 pic.twitter.com/KcQvze6m69

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 11, 2021

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The Milwaukee Bucks cannot rely on continuous historic games from their two leading scorers however as will have, not only go bucket for bucket with Brooklyn, but also be active on the defensive end of the floor. Coach Budenholzer stuck to his guns and kept Brook Lopez in the game and did not try to challenge the Nets’ small-ball lineup. 

Rightfully so as going the complete opposite direction in terms of size guarantees rim protection and rebounding. Now, rim protection may not be all too valuable in this series as Brooklyn is more than happy to ‘settle’ for jumpshots but it locks up the paint nonetheless. After all without Lopez, Bruce Brown may have made that game-winning layup.