Two former MVP big men, “Greek Freak” Janis Antetokounmpo and “Joker” Nikola Jokic, faced off, and “Greek Freak” laughed.
The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Denver Nuggets 121-112 at the Five Forum on the 28th (Korea Standard Time).
With the victory, Milwaukee recorded 33 wins and 25 losses. Denver is 38-21.
Milwaukee took the lead with a 30-24 lead in the third quarter, setting the tone all the way through the fourth quarter.
They fell to 42-68 in paint zone scoring, 9-24 in new chance scoring and 16-32 in fastball scoring, but won on the outside and free throws instead. It recorded an outer success rate of 41.2% (14/34) and a free throw success rate of 82.1% (23/28) to beat opponents who were only 26.5% (9/34) and 81.8% (9/11).
There was also a difference in concentration between the two teams. While Denver allowed 15 points on 13 turnovers, Milwaukee gave up just eight points on 11 turnovers.
Antetokounmpo led the team to victory with 28 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists.
All starters scored double-digit points, including Brooke Lopez scoring 22 points and Damian Lillard scoring 19.
In Denver, Jokic recorded a triple double with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, but the color faded.
Jamal Murray scored 20 points, Christian Bron scored 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr. scored 12. Porter Jr. threw 11 3-pointers but made only two.
[Taempa (USA) = KIM JAE HO, MK Sports Correspondent]
