Bucks (33-17), Pelicans (26-25)
Sunday’s back-to-back in Milwaukee against one of the NBA’s best teams figured to be a formidable challenge even under the best of circumstances, but New Orleans stepped onto the Fiserv Forum floor without its three leading scorers. The Bucks took advantage against a Pelicans squad that has struggled to produce offense in recent weeks even when closer to full strength, quickly building a double-digit lead and never being seriously threatened on the scoreboard.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Milwaukee’s Jordan Nwora sank a three-pointer from the right sideline, giving the hosts a 22-point lead with 9:12 left in the fourth quarter. New Orleans had made a series of mini-runs to peck away at its deficit, but the Bucks went on a surge to go back in front by a commanding margin. Giannis Antetokounmpo later reached 50 points by sinking a three-pointer in the final two minutes.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Kira Lewis Jr. authored his most impressive performance since returning from a year-long injury absence in December, racing past Milwaukee’s defense for layups and connecting on rhythm jumpers. The third-year point guard was easily the biggest bright spot of Sunday for the Pelicans, finishing with 15 points (his career high is 21) on 7/11 shooting. The Alabama product also grabbed six rebounds in his 26 minutes. “It’s great to see,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green said of Lewis, who’s been shuttling to G League Birmingham and back to NOLA during recent stretches. “He’s been building toward a game like this.”
Pelicans Highlights: Kira Lewis Jr. adds 15 points vs. Milwaukee Bucks 1/29/23
BY THE NUMBERS
67.7: Combined scoring average this season for Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. McCollum was out with a thumb sprain, while Ingram sat in the second game of a back-to-back, having just returned from a toe injury Wednesday vs. Minnesota.
37-19: Milwaukee lead after the first quarter. The second and third periods resulted in ties of 25-25 and 44-44, but the damage was done.
REVISITING FANDUEL KEYS TO THE GAME
OPPORTUNISTIC OFFENSE
New Orleans only mustered 44 first-half points, continuing a recent trend of not scoring enough to consistently compete in the NBA of 2023. But the third quarter (44 points) was much better, featuring some up-tempo attacks, even after Milwaukee baskets.
LIMIT FOULS
Not bad. After Milwaukee shot 31 free throws Dec. 19 at New Orleans, this time it was 20. The Pelicans took 21 foul shots.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
New Orleans needed a monster performance from its bench and received excellent play from Lewis and Larry Nance Jr. (10 points, 12 rebounds). Overall, New Orleans subs shot 16/28 from the field for 41 points. Pels reserves averaged 34.6 points through 50 games. Milwaukee’s backup tallied 39 points.