The Milwaukee Bucks took a five-game win streak into their Wednesday night game against the Indiana Pacers. The Bucks failed to mount a second half comeback losing 118-111.
It didn’t help that Milwaukee was without reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. He missed two games this week after becoming a father Monday. Despite heading into the All-Star break off a loss, the Bucks are secure in their spot atop the NBA standings.
The Bucks’ 46-8 record is the best in the league. They’re on an eight-day break before returning against the Detroit Pistons Thursday. Here’s an update on the Bucks in advance of the All-Star Game.
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Bucks Sign Veteran Player Marvin Williams
This year’s NBA trade deadline brought some high-profile moves, but the Bucks didn’t get in on the action. Considering their record and their emphasis on team chemistry, NBA analysts didn’t see it as a big surprise.
Milwaukee did, however, sign a 15-year NBA veteran earlier this week. Marvin Williams played his first game for the Bucks Wednesday, tallying nine points in 20 minutes.
Williams was waived by the Charlotte Hornets Feb. 8. He brings leadership and experience to the Bucks locker room. Shooting more than 37 percent from three, he also brings depth to a team that already considers that one of its hallmarks.
“What these guys are doing here is incredible,” Williams told reporters Monday. “I’m not here to ruffle anybody’s feathers, I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes. I just want to be a little piece to what they’re trying to accomplish.”
Antetokounmpo Captains All-Star Team Sunday In Chicago
For the second consecutive year, Antetokounmpo and LeBron James will go head-to-head as All-Star captains. Team LeBron won last year’s All-Star Game 178-164.
Going into the break, Antetokounmpo is averaging 30 points and more than 13 rebounds per game.
Antetokounmpo picked his Bucks teammate Khris Middleton to play on Team Giannis. Middleton is shooting more than 43 percent from the three-point line this season. He put up a career-high 51 points on the Washington Wizards in a game at Fiserv Forum last month.
The NBA All-Star Game will take place Sunday at the United Center in Chicago. Middleton will compete in the Skills Challenge Saturday. Milwaukee’s Pat Connaughton will also be in action Saturday for the Slam Dunk contest.
Milwaukee Takes A Sizable Lead Into The Break
The Bucks are 6.5 games ahead of the second-place Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee and Toronto faced off in last year’s conference finals before the Raptors went on to win the NBA Championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers lead the Western Conference with 41 wins. The Bucks beat the Lakers when they met in Milwaukee earlier this season. They play March 6 in Los Angeles.
Wednesday’s loss to the Pacers marks Milwaukee’s first defeat against a Central Division opponent this season.
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