Feb 25, 2018; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) reaches for a rebound over Milwaukee Bucks guard Tony Snell (21) in the second quarter at the BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
©Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Anthony Davis led the New Orleans Pelicans to the Cream City to take on the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led Bucks.

Seemingly, this game would be a high scoring game as the Bucks have scored over 120 in their last two games. The Pelicans, however have reached that mark thirteen times this season. Neither team hit that mark in their first battle of the season in, New Orleans. December 13th, Pelicans would come out on top by a 115-108 score.

Anthony Davis is always a tough guy to handle, as he’s one of the best big men in the league. In a potential mismatch with, Milwaukee, who struggle to defend the big man. More confusing was who would do the defending. During introductions, Maker was announced the starter, Henson ran out. Henson ended up starting, staring pretty well.

The first quarter would show a fast pace game to be played, which means more mistakes. Milwaukee and their length would prevail. With steals coming from everywhere, Bucks would transition, they do that well. Stingy defense, turnovers, fast offense would be the name of the game for the Bucks. They’d continue a high scoring prediction with 32 points in the period. On the other hand, Pelicans would only score 21.

Going into the second quarter, Pelicans needed to change something, they chose pace. Offensively, they slowed the game down while running their offense. Bucks took this as an opportunity to do the same, as they could not get out in transition as much as the first quarter. Bucks were still causing problems defensively, forcing turnovers, bad shots, confusion. Nevertheless, Pelicans would score 28 in the period. Bucks getting into their offense, creating havoc with misdirection on plays with screens, were incredibly successful. Another 30+ point quarter for them in the game with, 34. Going into the half with a 66-49, 17 point lead.

Everyone could predict a high scoring game, just as I did. With the Pelicans suffering to score in the first half, something had to give. At some point they were going to score, third quarter was the quarter for that. Milwaukee as cold as a Milwaukee winter, was walked down in half of a quarter. Pelicans were so hot, Rondo hit a three. With a 24-7 run, Pelicans would tie the game on a Mirotic free throw. As soon as that happened the Bucks returned to playing basketball. Matching each other bucket for bucket down the stretch, quarter would end, Pelicans up two, 83-81.

Lead by, Jrue Holiday and Anthony Davis, the Pelicans continued their good play in the fourth quarter. In a team effort, Bucks’ would just match everything. Bledsoe taking charge late, with a three, would help the team to a one point lead, with around three and a half minutes to play. Nevertheless, Mr. Holiday would let them know today was his day, draining a three to regain the lead. Pelicans stretched it to four, but Bledsoe drives for a layup, Middleton fade away jumper, consequently the game tied again at 112, with under a minute to go. With a foul on Giannis with 14 seconds left, New Orleans would get the last shot in a tied game. After the inbound, the ball found Mirotic, two pump fakes and a missed three as time expired. We head to OT.

Both teams would come out and trade buckets in the overtime period. Rondo, not known for three point shooting, knocks down a bank shot from deep. At this point, Pelicans were up four. Bucks would catch one more two point bucket. At twelve seconds, fans thought it would be a free throw game out, as Pelicans were up two, with the ball. On the inbound, Pelicans turn it over, giving the Bucks an opportunity to win or tie the game. Bucks ball at the baseline with 10.4 seconds left, timeout Milwaukee. Played dialed up to Giannis, fade away jumper… no good. Time expires, New Orleans wins by two, 123-121.

This would be the first time the Bucks lose when, Middleton/Giannis/Bledsoe all score over twenty and a game is within three points.

Next game: Vs. Wizards 2/27 7:00 PM CT TNT

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