Final Score: Warriors win 108-94 vs Bucks as Durant edges Antetokoumpo

The Golden State Warriors defeated the frighteningly athletic Milwaukee Bucks, 108 to 94 in frigid Wisconsin. Even without the injured Stephen Curry, the Warriors’ offense wasn’t as cold as the 12 degree weather outside, as they shot 55% from the field despite tough opposing defense. They were led by Kevin Durant, whose 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists helped him to out-duel the rising phenom Giannis Antetokounmpo. The “Greek Freek” finished 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists in the losing effort

The Bucks weathered a first half storm, forced the Warriors into timely turnovers, and even hijacked the third quarter 33-17 to take an 82-80 lead into the fourth quarter. However, the final frame was all Golden State as they exerted their will with championship defense, holding the Bucks to twelve points in the final period.

Draymond Green nearly had a triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. His defensive presence forced the Bucks into uncomfortable positions, especially down the stretch, ripping away Milwaukee’s momentum.

KD gives The Alphabet advanced lessons

Both Durant and Antetokounmpo are freakishly long, strong, scorers and defenders. To see them clash in the Bradley Center was a referendum on what the future of basketball could look like.

However, if Antetokounmpo wants to reach that 20,000 plateau like Durant, he’s going to have to get that jump-shot together.

Durant’s outside shooting puts him on an another, MVP level. Watch the master show the student how it’s done:

Get ‘em, Master Sensei Slim!

Kevon Looney is showing signs

Dub Nation is starting to get a picture of how the young, finally healthy, Looney fits into the championship puzzle. He used all of his 7’0” wingspan to consistently gobble offensive boards against the Bucks' stable of active, long athletes. His strong first half spurred the champs to their early double digit lead.

When the Bucks tried to use pick-and-rolls to isolate him with Eric Bledsoe or Malcolm Brogdon, Looney battled the quick guards with his length and balance. He was a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and finished with 9 points, 8 rebounds (6 offensive!) and 3 assists. His plus/minus of +14 in his 22 minutes was crucial to “Strength In Numbers” as the Warriors wrestled the Bucks into submission.

If Looney keeps this up, he will be a defensive weapon in the playoffs that can add bonus shot attempts with his work on the offensive glass. Guys like that tend to do well in postseason atmospheres.

Defense travels

The Warriors have a dynasty in the making in part because their defense is so menacing. They sucked the air out of the building in that fourth quarter with stop after stop. For the game, the champs limited Milwaukee to 43% shooting from the field and forced 12 turnovers.

The Warriors will continue to travel as well, as they have a game tomorrow night against the Kings of the North, the Toronto Raptors. Hopefully, we get a healthy Curry back for that one!

What was your impression of Jason Kidd’s young Bucks tonight, folks?