The Milwaukee Bucks proved no travel challenge is too daunting, overcoming a harrowing journey through a historic winter storm to dominate the Miami Heat 125-96 on Thursday night. Despite spending three days stranded in a New Orleans hotel and arriving in Milwaukee mere hours before tipoff, the Bucks rallied from an early 15-point deficit to secure their fifth consecutive victory.
Bucks Weather the Storm, Literally and Figuratively
A foot of snow blanketed New Orleans, shutting down roads and forcing the NBA to postpone Milwaukee’s Wednesday matchup with the Pelicans. Players were confined to their hotel, unable to even practice. But the Bucks refused to make excuses.
It felt like it was COVID all over again. We were just in the room chilling.
– Bobby Portis
Milwaukee finally escaped to Miami Thursday, arriving at the arena two hours before game time. Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo set the tone, insisting the team could not succumb to excuses. That mentality propelled the Bucks after a sluggish start.
Lillard, Giannis Lead the Charge
The Heat jumped out to a 20-5 lead as Milwaukee struggled to find a rhythm. But led by their stars, the Bucks quickly regained control. Lillard tallied 29 points and 11 assists, falling just shy of his first triple-double with the Bucks. Antetokounmpo added a 25-point triple-double of his own as Milwaukee took a commanding 71-55 lead into halftime.
As a leader of the team, you got to let the team know off the rip, we not doing that. We not having excuses.
– Damian Lillard
No Rest for the Resilient
The Bucks will have little time to savor the victory or recover from the travel turmoil. They depart Friday morning for a four-game West Coast road trip, starting Saturday against the LA Clippers.
It’s insane. Go back home, spend one or two hours with your family and after that you got to wake up, get ready, pack your bags, and 9:30, be in the airport.
– Giannis Antetokounmpo
But if the Bucks can maintain the mental toughness and “no excuses” mindset they displayed against Miami, this team looks capable of weathering any storm the NBA season throws their way. With Lillard and Antetokounmpo at the helm and a roster brimming with tenacity, Milwaukee increasingly resembles a championship contender.
- The Bucks have now won 8 of their last 10 games
- Milwaukee stands 2.5 games out of the East’s top seed
- Lillard is averaging 24/4/7 since joining the Bucks
As trying as this week has been for the Bucks, their ability to overcome adversity bodes well for the battles ahead. No one will pity the conference frontrunners if fatigue becomes a factor down the road. But this is a squad that relishes the grind and refuses to waver from the task at hand. Count out Milwaukee at your own peril.
