It was one of the enormous shocks of this evening. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks received the Lakers at the Fiserv Forum, a meeting marked by the return of Khris Middleton alongside the Greek Freak. But Anthony Davis decided to spoil the party by slamming an XXL match to give the Lakers the victory.
We were wondering on whether AD would be ready for the showdown with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Unibrow quickly put an end to all doubts. Full of confidence over the last few weeks (30 points, 16 rebounds and more than 3 blocks on average over 6 games, all at 63% shooting), AD managed to dominate their duel once morest the favorite Greek from Wisconsin. Already author of 23 points at 11/14 at halftime, Davis finishes quietly with a season-high at 44 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks, all at 18/27 shooting. Well served by Russell Westbrook at the start of the match (including 3 assists from Brodie following only 44 seconds on the floor, and all for Anthony Davis), the Brow were able to count on a solid LeBron James at the end of the match (13 points and 4 assists in QT4), the King passing Magic Johnson for sixth all-time All-Time passers.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers for moving into 6th all-time in total assists! pic.twitter.com/FG6nL9937b
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2022
After a big run at the start of the second quarter, the Lakers suffered the return of the Bucks out of the locker room, giving up a 13-point advantage. But Brodie’s entry midway through the third quarter revived the Angelinos, who then glued their opponents to a 10-2 run. Maintained in the race by a very good Jrue Holiday, the deer gave way to the boss in the last period. Results ? 15 points for the Greek Freak, a huge scotch on the King, and the Bucks once once more returning to the game. Yes, Los Angeles got scared. But two big award-winning shots from the 37-year-old cyborg, an interception and a dunk in transition from AD would be enough for the Lakers to win, despite a 0/2 from Russ on the line late in the game.
WHAT A BLOCK BY GIANNIS
Bucks-Lakers is ELECTRIC in Q4 on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/dhosjGlMnF
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2022
AD slams it home ????????????
Lakers lead by 3 with seconds remaining on ESPN pic.twitter.com/tL3KhcXdvM
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2022
Big Statement Win for the Lakers at the Bucks who nevertheless appeared much in better shape. Everyone contributed, the star trio might not have worked better, and LA posted a seventh victory in nine games. The interior duel kept all its promises and was fierce (with 84 points combined by the two rivals) but it was Anthony Davis who won.
AD: 44 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST, 3 BLK
Giannis: 40 PTS, 7 REB, 5 ASTRespect between two of the best in the game following a MONSTER duel in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/s0Fw3En1Yd
— NBA (@NBA) December 3, 2022
Finally the click for the Purple & Gold? Perhaps, but nothing is less certain. For this, it will be necessary to confirm in Washington on Sunday, because this trip to Milwaukee only marked the first stage of a long road trip for the Lakers. But if AD continues to perform on an MVPesque level, and the Angelinos manage to keep their seriousness, Los Angeles fans may well have a Lakers in the west’s top 6 as a Christmas present.
