The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to get past the Lakers’ Anthony Davis during the second half of Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo had 47 points and finished 18 for 23 from the field and 8 for 11 from the free-throw line in the Bucks’ 109-102 win. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker drives between the Milwaukee Bucks’ Pat Connaughton and Khris Middleton during the first half of Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis grabs a rebound in front of Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis reacts in front of the Lakers’ Dwight Howard after making a three-point basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over Dwight Howard of the Lakers during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after scoring during the first half against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Lakers head coach Frank Vogel watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker tries to drive past the Bucks’ Khris Middleton during the first half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Jordan Nwora of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Dwight Howard of the Lakers during the first half during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Rajon Rondo drives during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker looks to pass from the floor during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Dwight Howard is fouled as he tries to shoot past Milwaukee Bucks’ George Hill during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis blocks a shot by the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis blocks a shot by the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis blocks a shot by the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after scoring during the first half against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday tries to drive past the Lakers’ Avery Bradley during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Carmelo Anthony of the Lakers reacts to an officials call during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Carmelo Anthony of the Lakers discusses a call with referee Brandon Adair during the first half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton and the Lakers’ Russell Westbrook battle for a loose ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Russell Westbrook of the Lakers looks to the bench of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after scoring during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to an officials call during the first half of a game against the Lakers during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dwight Howard of the Lakers and Bobby Portis of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to an officials call during the first half on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a free throw during the first half of a game against the Lakers on Wednesday in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to get past the Lakers’ Anthony Davis during the second half of Wednesday’s game in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo had 47 points and finished 18 for 23 from the field and 8 for 11 from the free-throw line in the Bucks’ 109-102 win. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo drives past the Lakers’ Anthony Davis during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday and the Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker battle for a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ Anthony Davis graba a loose ball in front of Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo tries to get past the Lakers’ Talen Horton-Tucker during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Talen Horton-Tucker of the Lakers drives to the basket against Semi Ojeleye of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook of the Lakers looks to pass during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers dunks against Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers dunks against Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Lakers coach Frank Vogel of the reacts to an official’s call during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks and Anthony Davis of the Lakers wait for a free throw during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Rajon Rondo of the Lakers drives around Grayson Allen of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers takes a 3-point shot during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers shoots over Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers walks back up the court during the second half of a game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Talen Horton-Tucker of the Lakers drives around Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers is defended by Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Anthony Davis of the Lakers is defended by Jrue Holiday of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Russell Westbrook of the Lakers looks to pass around Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half on Wednesday night in Milwaukee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks during the second half against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo dunks during the second half against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts after making a shot and being fouled during the second half against the Lakers Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Lakers’ LeBron James watches from the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, in Milwaukee. The Bucks won 109-102. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
MILWAUKEE — Night to night, the Lakers say they prepare for each team’s best shot.
But when the best shot is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shoulder in your chest, it’s tough to take it and remain standing.
The reigning NBA Finals MVP gave the Lakers (8-8) more than they wanted, and then some, bulldozing into the paint at will and jamming dunks on their heads. His 47 points powered the defending champions, who bested the visitors, 109-102.
The Lakers’ stars weren’t spectacular but solid: Anthony Davis had 18 points playing through a dinged-up hip in the fourth quarter, Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 15 assists, and Talen Horton-Tucker had 25 points and 12 rebounds. But there is still a LeBron James-sized hole in this roster, made all the more obvious by how the Greek Freak spliced them apart.
“He’s a hell of a player,” Davis said. “And a lot of his shots were in the paint, most of ’em, but he was hitting some big-time shots.”
Antetokounmpo finished 18 for 23 from the field and 8 for 11 from the free-throw line. The Lakers were frustrated by getting just 12 attempts from the charity stripe as a team.
But Antetokounmpo’s dominance was in how many ways he was able to punish the Lakers. He attacked off the fast break or caught Rajon Rondo or Wayne Ellington in switches on the pick-and-roll. Even against center Dwight Howard, he found ways to maneuver inside to the rim. He also fired off four 3-point attempts and made three of them, showcasing a sense for shot-making that hasn’t been his calling card in past years but seems to be a skill in development for the two-time league MVP.
His signature moments came in the final three minutes, when Antetokounmpo hit a 10-foot jumper and a layup while backing Talen Horton-Tucker under the basket, drawing fouls each time. At that point, the Lakers had exhausted their defensive options.
“He’s as tough as it gets in terms of trying to contain someone,” Coach Frank Vogel said. “And when they shoot 41 threes a game at a high clip, it’s difficult to bring double-teams. But I thought we did a good job of mixing coverages. Obviously, he made the three threes and you live with that.”
The game spoiled what Vogel called Westbrook’s “best game as a Laker,” as the 32-year-old point guard only spotted the Bucks three turnovers. Ultimately, it was impossible to beat a physical and focused Giannis, as well as their own shooting outage. The Lakers missed 14 consecutive 3-point attempts to close the game, including an 0-for-11 mark in the fourth quarter.
After a poor shooting night doomed them against Chicago on Monday, the Lakers came out gunning, hitting five of their first 10 attempts from deep to take a 10-point lead early in the first quarter. But Antetokounmpo began to hammer the paint, either shuffling past defenders or simply rolling over them on his way to 28 points in the first half alone.
It all seemed to be getting away from the Lakers at the end of the second quarter, when the Bucks reeled off a 15-5 run to take a commanding halftime lead. Aside from the two-time MVP, starting big Bobby Portis also had a lot of success during that rally including a fast-break layup over Carmelo Anthony. Portis scored all 17 of his points in the first.
But the Lakers reversed their recent trend of sluggish third quarters with a zone defense, which generally runs counter to Vogel’s sensibilities. Between the turnover-generating scheme and a run of streaky shooting, the Lakers scrambled back in a 30-21 period and even briefly retook the lead on a fadeaway by Davis.
“We’ve been trying to build it into everything we do,” Vogel said of the zone scheme. “Sideline out-of-bounds situations. Just in small doses. Even when that team is not a team that we necessarily want to zone, just so we can work on it and build that part of our defensive arsenal. And when a guy like Giannis is going like he was going tonight, to change things up, I think, slowed them down.”
This marked just the third game this season in which the Bucks (7-8) had their three top players – Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Jrue Holiday – all available, all wins. The Lakers would like to have their best lineup available, too, but have yet to play with James, Davis, Westbrook and Horton-Tucker all available.
“We put a team together and we haven’t seen it yet,” Davis said. “Once we get everybody back, we can kinda see, to be honest. Until then, just gotta fight with what we got.”
Giannis becomes the 5th player in the last 20 seasons to score 45+ points on 75% shooting from the field and 75% shooting from deep! #NBA75@Giannis_An34: 47 PTS, 18-23 FGM, 3-4 3PM pic.twitter.com/NOcMJVcGfn
AD with @LakersReporter on the defensive adjustments the #Lakers made: "We're playing small…so we switched to the zone and tried to keep everything in front and it got us back in the game." pic.twitter.com/MkNj9ifOHa
"I think Russ had his best game as a Laker tonight with 15 assists to 3 turnovers." Frank Vogel talks about the key takeaways from tonight including impressive games from Westbrook and THT. @LakersReporterpic.twitter.com/yhf291IoXt
