At the halfway point of the season, we have a clearer picture of the teams that are more likely to be left standing at the season’s end.
Although not many would have had the Warriors as championship contenders prior to the season tipping off, they certainly have them among the leaders now, but Golden State has been playing short-handed despite getting Klay Thompson back, they are missing defensive stalwart Draymond Green.
MORE: Does Klay Thompson’s return make Warriors consensus title favorite?
Milwaukee has also faced adversity this season after claiming their first championship in 50 years. The Bucks have had stints at various stages of this season without key players in Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee entered this game having lost two in a row, but The Greek Freak has been playing at an MVP level once again this season – averaging 28.4 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists so far this season. He didn’t disappoint against Golden State, notching a triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. This was Antetokounmpo’s 28th career triple-double, tying Michael Jordan on the all-time list.
The Bucks were never troubled and built a 39-point lead at the half-time break — the biggest deficit the Warriors have faced this season.
Golden State managed to win the second half, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Bucks from claiming their seventh wire-to-wire victory this season.
The Sporting News has you covered with live updates, scores, stats and highlights from Fiserv Forum:
Bucks vs. Warriors live updates, highlights, stats
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | FINAL | |
| Bucks | 37 | 40 | 20 | 21 | 118 |
| Warriors | 21 | 17 | 34 | 27 | 99 |
End of the fourth quarter Bucks 118, Warriors 99
Giannis Antetokounmpo 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists
Khris Middleton 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds,
Steph Curry 12 points, 8 rebounds
Andrew Wiggins 16 points, 2 rebounds
9:46: Seventh wire-to-wire win for the Bucks this season.
9:27 p.m: Triple-double for Giannis Antetokounmpo. 30 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists. You imagine Coach Bud will take him out of the game now. Bucks lead 107-82 with 8:10 left in the fourth.
End of the third quarter Bucks 97, Warriors 72
Giannis Antetokounmpo 29 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists
Khris Middleton 23 points, 7 assists
Steph Curry 12 points, 8 rebounds
Andrew Wiggins 16 points, 2 rebounds
9:08 p.m : Giannis is in another time. Another space. Another plateau.
8:57 p.m : Hasn’t been the prettiest start to the second half, but the Bucks are still well in control. Bucks up, 85-47, with 7:51 left in the third quarter.
8:51 p.m: Warriors open the quarter with a 6-0 run. Could a comebac be on the cards?
End of the second quarter Bucks 77, Warriors 38
Giannis Antetokounmpo 23 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
Bobby Portis 17 points, 6 rebounds
Steph Curry 9 points, 3 rebounds
Andrew Wiggins 8 points, 1 rebound
8:34 p.m : Bobby Portis hits it at the buzzer to give Milwaukee a 39 (!) point lead at the half.
8:30 p.m: Giannis on a fastbreak is a thing of beauty.
8:24: The Bucks lead by 35. This is the biggest deficit the Warriors have had all season.
8:16 p.m : No. No, it isn’t.
8:14 p.m : The Bucks are unstoppable right now.
8:03 p.m: Another blow for the Dubs. Gary Payton II is done for the night.
Gary Payton II is out for the night. Lower back tightness.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 14, 2022
End of the first quarter Bucks 37, Warriors 21
Giannis Antetokounmpo 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists
Khris Middleton 11 points, 2 assists
Andrew Wiggins 6 points
Jordan Poole 6 points
8:00 p.m: Bucks close out the quarter with an 8-0 run. Milwaukee shot 58 percent in the first quarter.
7:51 p.m : That’s now 163 consecutive games with a made triple for Steph Curry, breaking the record previously held by …. Steph Curry. Warriors had missed their first seven 3’s until that make by Steph.
7:45 p.m: Timeout Golden State. Bucks lead 16-4 with 7:05 left in the first.
7:43 p.m : GIANNIS!
7:40 p.m: Giannis with the mid-range beauty!
7:33 p.m: Coach Bud looking to establish Antetokounmpo early. Giannis is at the foul line in the first 13 seconds of the game.
Pregame
Klay’s gotta get loose, guys! No time for interviews!
Both the Warriors and Bucks are in their City Edition jerseys tonight