Friday, September 16, 2016

Kawhi Leonard dismantles Bucks late, 117-111.

This was a close game early as the Bucks came to play against the defending champions, sans Pau Gasol. Gasol tried to give it a go, but it was clear that he was unable to achieve proper lift on his jumpshot due to his ankle injury, scoring only 6 points in 13 total minutes of action before leaving the game.

Kawhi Leonard slid over to the power forward position, showing Coach Popovich's innovative efforts at the helm. Kawhi did not disappoint, either, and in the 4th quarter went on a tear, putting the Spurs up 113-102, hitting shot after shot, and making tough baskets down low, drawing the foul and icing it at the free throw line. "The Claw" finished with 29 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals, shooting a stellar 11-17 from the field.

For the Bucks, Khris Middleton had 28 points and Coach Kidd's prized point-forward hybrid Giannis Antetokounmpo dazzled with a near triple-double. Jabari Parker had 20 points and 8 rebounds, using his skills down low to score. Michael Carter-Williams (who has been on the Spurs radar as a possible acquisition) had 13 points and 8 rebounds with 7 assists. Struggling star pickup Greg Monroe had 14 points with 13 rebounds, but failed to carry Milwaukee into a win tonight.

Dewayne Dedmon showed his athleticism also, getting some nasty jams down low with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Manu Ginobili had 12 points, Tony Parker had 16 points with 8 assists and Danny Green was not far behind Kawhi's performance with 26 points of his own from 6 three-pointers and 7 rebounds.