Week In Review: Milwaukee Bucks enter 2015 on good note

Dec 31, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center John Henson (31) blocks a shot by Cleveland Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters (3) during the fourth quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Milwaukee won 96-80. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Wednesday Dec. 31: Milwaukee Bucks at Cleveland Cavaliers

Milwaukee opened the month of December playing Cleveland, so it was fitting that they were closing the month of December playing Cleveland Wednesday night.

Milwaukee played Cleveland tough in their last meeting Dec. 2, and that was with superstars LeBron James and Kevin Love.  Wednesday saw James and Love sit out, and the Bucks took advantage.

The Bucks dominated Cleveland, winning 96-80.

Jason Kidd’s team had two big quarters Wednesday night; the first and the third.

In the first quarter Milwaukee jumped all over Cleveland, forcing Cleveland to shoot 7-of-18 from the field while scoring an incredible seven three-pointers.  Milwaukee built a 31-18 lead after the first.

The other big quarter Wednesday was the third.  Milwaukee held Cleveland to a season-low seven points in the third quarter.  That’s right; seven.  Cleveland was just 3-of-19 from the field and shot no free throws during the period.  Milwaukee went up 71-54 entering the fourth, and was never in any real danger of losing this game.

Giannis Antetokounmpo filled the stat sheet again Wednesday night, scoring 14 points while adding five assists, eight rebounds, and three blocks.

It had been said over the last few broadcasts that Giannis has been working on his outside shot, and he has been slowly showcasing it.  Dennis Krause joined Ted Davis on the Bucks radio broadcast Friday night against the Pacers and he noticed the improvement as well.

Krause mentioned the work Giannis had been putting into his shot and said if he starts hitting those mid range shots consistently, opponents should “watch out.”

The win put Milwaukee above .500 at 17-16.  Their next game was a home contest Friday night against the Indiana Pacers.

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