The Bucks’ performance, especially in the absence of Antetokounmpo and three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, emphasizes the team’s collective effort and adaptability under the new leadership of coach Doc Rivers. The Bucks are preparing for a challenging four-game trip to California, starting with the Golden State Warriors and including a rematch against the Clippers.
“Nobody talked about who wasn’t playing before the game,” Lillard said. “It was literally like we were in the locker room, Doc didn’t come in there and say, ‘All right, Giannis is out. Khris is out.’ It was like, we went in there, we talked about the scouting report and what we needed to do to win the game, and that was it. I think that just shows what’s expected, the standard that we’re starting to have and who we’re becoming as a team.”
For the Clippers, James Harden and Paul George each contributed 29 points, but the team struggled to maintain their energy in the crucial final moments, having played just the night before. The Bucks, trailing by 13 at the end of the third quarter, turned the game around by outscoring the Clippers 23-10 in the last five minutes.
“When they went to that zone, I think we got a little jump shot-happy rather than keep attacking the basket and getting into the paint,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said.
Bobby Portis was a standout for the Bucks, scoring 14 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, alongside a season-high 16 rebounds. His performance highlighted the depth and capability of the Bucks’ roster in stepping up when needed.
“Guys needed to step up in their roles,” Portis said. “I just feel like it was one of those times for me just to step up and be a little more aggressive than I probably was before.”
The game was tied by a 3-pointer from Patrick Beverley, who also played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ comeback, stealing the ball to set up a crucial layup for Lillard. This sequence of plays gave the Bucks the lead, which they managed to hold onto until the final buzzer.
The Clippers will look to regroup as they visit the Houston Rockets, while the Bucks set their sights on continuing their winning streak as they begin their trip against the Golden State Warriors.
