Damian Lillard Thrills NBA Fans as Doc Rivers' Bucks Win vs. Heat with Giannis Out
Nov 27, 2024
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat on November 26, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Tilley/NBAE via Getty Images)
After a sluggish 4-9 start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have surged recently and continued the hot streak on Tuesday.
The Bucks beat the Miami Heat 106-103 in the NBA Cup on Tuesday to win their fifth straight game.
Milwaukee was without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a late scratch due to a knee injury, and it looked to co-star Damian Lillard, who delivered 37 points and 12 assists on 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-13 from deep.
The Bucks led by as much as 22 points thanks to 25 points from Lillard in the first half, but the Heat crawled their way back into the game before ultimately tying things up in the late half. Miami had a chance to take the lead on a shot from Tyler Herro with seconds remaining, but his attempt clanked off the rim with just over a second remaining.
From there, Taurean Prince hit two free throws to make it a three-point game and the Heat's final shot from Terry Rozier missed.
After the game, fans had high praise for Lillard's vintage performance.
Things looked bleak for Milwaukee early this season, but the Bucks have seemingly started to turn the corner. A win over a talented team without Antetokounmpo on the floor is a good sign that Milwaukee is capable of getting back to a championship-caliber level this year.
Shams: Bucks' Khris Middleton Could Return from Ankle Injuries After Thanksgiving
Nov 26, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 30: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks talks to the media after the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 30, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly getting closer to bringing back a key veteran to their lineup.
ESPN's Shams Charania reported on Tuesday's episode of NBA Today that Bucks forward Khris Middleton is on the verge of returning from his offseason ankle surgeries and the team is "hopeful that he's gonna be able to make his season debut at some point after Thanksgiving."
Reporting for NBA Today on a critical step for Bucks star Khris Middleton in debut process: pic.twitter.com/0OJyQxojaD
Charania noted that Middleton achieved a "critical step" in his recovery by completing full five-on-five scrimmages with the Bucks on Monday for the first time since undergoing bilateral ankle surgeries. The 33-year-old is reportedly taking extra time to ensure that he's at his best when he returns to the court.
"From what I'm told, he has been already cleared medically to play, but for him it's about comfort, getting on the floor when he's fully right and feels that he's gonna be able to make an impact like we know Khris Middleton can when he is fully healthy," Charania said.
After a slow start to the season, the Bucks have won four straight games to improve to 8-9 entering Tuesday's game against the Miami Heat. Getting Middleton back could help Milwaukee get on the right track and reestablish itself as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
In 55 games last season, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He was a serviceable No. 3 option behind the star duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who lead the team this year with averages of 32.4 and 25.2 points per game, respectively. No other player on the team averages over 15 points.
The Bucks will host the Washington Wizards on Saturday before visiting the Detroit Pistons next Tuesday, so the team would likely target one of those games for Middleton's return.
NBA Rumors: Lonzo Ball 'Targeting' Return from Wrist Injury for Bulls vs. Magic
Nov 26, 2024
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 28: Lonzo Ball #2 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up court during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on October 28, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball is "targeting" Wednesday's road game against the Orlando Magic for his return from a wrist injury, ESPN's Shams Charania and Ramona Shelburne reported.
Ball has not played since spraining his wrist during an Oct. 28 game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Bulls guard made his comeback earlier this season from two and a half NBA seasons missed due to knee injuries.
Ball had recorded 4.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists while averaging under 16 minutes in three games prior to his wrist sprain.
Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said that Saturday had been Ball's "best day" at practice since suffering the wrist injury, per Chicago Sports Network's K.C. Johnson.
Donovan followed that up by announcing on Monday that Ball would travel with the Bulls on this week's two-game road trip, which takes them to meet the Washington Wizards on Tuesday followed by the Wednesday game against the Magic, per Johnson.
Ball suffered a right wrist sprain after catching himself on the court after attempted steal, ESPN's Jamal Collier reported.
The guard did not leave the game with the injury, but rather taped the wrist "and played through the pain," per Collier. An MRI revealed the injury the next day.
Ball told reporters that playing on the sprain any further risked worsening the injury to the degree that surgery would be required, Collier reported.
The star has undergone multiple procedures on his injured left knee since his last NBA action in January 2022, including cartilage transplant surgery in March 2023. The news that he may be able to return without undergoing further procedures is good news for his hopes of re-establishing himself as a regular part of the Bulls rotation.
The Bulls have meanwhile been unable to establish much consistency this season. The team hasn't won consecutive games since Oct. 30, and heads into the Wizards game having dropped four of six prior contests. Chicago will hope the pending return of Ball will help rejuvenate the lineup as the Bulls look to take advantage of competing in a relatively weak Eastern Conference.
It sounds like the Bulls will still be without Ball tonight as they take on the Wizards in NBA Cup action. The in-season tournament group stage game tips off at 7 p.m. ET.
Video: Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Says He Can't Explain Slump to Start 2024 NBA Season
Nov 23, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 22: Tyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers dribbles the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during a Emirates NBA Cup on November 22, 2024 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Tyrese Haliburton is just as flummoxed about his performance to start the 2024-25 season as the fans and analysts wondering what has happened to the Indiana Pacers star.
Speaking to reporters after the Pacers' 129-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Haliburton was almost at a loss for words when trying to explain his ongoing slump.
Haliburton had one of his better offensive performances of the season against the Bucks. The two-time All-Star finished with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting and nine assists in 34 minutes. He tied a season-high with four made three-pointers.
It still wasn't close to what Haliburton has done at his best in a Pacers uniform. He averaged 20.4 points on 48.3 percent shooting and 10.4 assists per game in 125 games over the previous two seasons.
The 24-year-old is having the worst shooting season of his career. He's making just 37.8 percent of his field-goal attempts overall and 29.4 percent from three. He shot at least 40.0 percent from behind the arc in each of his first three seasons.
Haliburton's struggles this season continue a trend that started after he injured his hamstring midway through the 2023-24 campaign. He looked like an MVP candidate at the beginning of last season when he was putting up 23.6 points on 49.7 percent shooting and 12.5 assists in his first 33 games.
After suffering a hamstring injury during a Jan. 8 game against the Boston Celtics that caused him to miss 10 of the next 11 Pacers' games, Haliburton's performance never really recovered.
The Pacers point guard put up 16.8 points on 45.5 percent shooting and 9.3 assists per game over his final 35 games. He reinjured his hamstring during the playoffs and missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Celtics.
Even though Haliburton was on the U.S. Olympic team this summer in Paris, he only played in three of six games and wasn't on the floor for more than 10 minutes. when he did get in.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Aug. 11, after Team USA won gold, that Haliburton was dealing with a "minor leg injury" during the Olympics that required him to undergo an MRI.
Neither Haliburton nor the Pacers are saying his hamstring is still causing problems, but it would at least help explain why he hasn't looked like the same player for nearly a full calendar year at this point.
The Pacers have dropped to 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 6-10 record after losing five of their last six games. They are now 0-2 in the NBA Cup following their loss to the Bucks after reaching the title game last season.
Giannis, Dame Excite Fans as Doc Rivers, Bucks Beat Haliburton, Pacers in NBA Cup
Nov 23, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 22: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Pacers during a Emirates NBA Cup on November 22, 2024 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 129-117 win over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night.
Milwaukee started the game off with a 10-0 run and led by as many as 25 points in the second half. The Pacers briefly cut the deficit to six points in the fourth quarter, but they weren't able to get any closer before suffering the defeat.
The Bucks ultimately secured the victory due to their star duo, as Antetokounmpo and Lillard both thrived against Indiana's defense.
Antetokounmpo recorded his second triple-double of the season, scoring 37 points and dishing out 11 assists while pulling down 10 rebounds. Lillard chipped in with 24 points and 12 assists of his own, shooting 8-20 from the field and connecting on three triples.
Tyrese Haliburton hit just two of his seven shot attempts through the first two quarters, but he bounced back in the second half and ended the night with 18 points and nine assists on 6-14 shooting.
The game also featured NBA Cup implications, as both squads are in Group B among Eastern Conference teams. The Bucks improved to 2-0 in the NBA Cup standings and the Pacers fell to 0-2.
After opening the season with a 2-8 record, head coach Doc Rivers' team has now won five of its past six games.
NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls' Torrey Craig Eyed by Bucks to Pair with Giannis, Lillard
Nov 22, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 20: Torrey Craig #13 of Chicago Bulls and Andre Jackson Jr. #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks wait for a rebound during the game on November 20, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be targeting Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig on the trade market.
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points reported that the Bucks have "shown interest" in Craig as a piece to add to the team's wing and that Milwaukee is looking to move MarJon Beauchamp and Pat Connaughton to get a deal done.
"No team has shown interest in making a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks at this time," Siegel wrote. "MarJon Beauchamp ($2.7 million) and Pat Connaughton ($9.4 million) are the two players the Bucks have made available in trade discussions in order to try and add talent on the wing. Veteran forward Torrey Craig from the Chicago Bulls is a player Milwaukee has shown interest in, sources said. Rival teams would much rather discuss Bobby Portis if he was to become available before the trade deadline."
Craig has seen limited action this season, averaging five points, 2.5 rebounds and 0.8 assists in four games for Chicago. He is a seven-year veteran who has played with five franchises, including Milwaukee where he was on the 2020-21 NBA Championship team.
He has career averages of six points, four rebounds and 1.1 assists and would add to the team's depth. Milwaukee could use that depth, as the team is 6-9 despite strong play from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
He has a cap hit of just $2.8 million for 2024-25 and a player option for 2025-26 at $2.8 million. He would be a low-risk pickup who could help Milwaukee navigate a weak Eastern Conference.
NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Launches VC Firm Focused on Sports, Media, More
Nov 21, 2024
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 18: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks participates in warmups prior to a game against the Houston Rockets at Fiserv Forum on November 18, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo added another off-the-court endeavor to his plate by launching a venture capital firm.
Build Your Legacy Ventures is a firm that "focuses on investments in sports and entertainment, driven by the Antetokounmpo family's dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship," according to a release announcing the launch on Thursday. The company also "represents a first-of-its-kind platform" that will connect industry leaders and entrepreneurs with innovative founders to promote growth and maximize opportunities.
"I'm incredibly energized to launch BYL Ventures as a way to give back and support the next generation of visionaries," Antetokounmpo, who was named founder and general partner of BYL Ventures, said in the release. "This fund is not just about capital; it's about forging partnerships and opening my network to accelerate the growth trajectory for companies. I want to help other entrepreneurs, especially those who have faced barriers, to grow and succeed. BYL Ventures will be focused on finding people with big dreams and helping them make those dreams a reality."
BYL Ventures has already begun distributing capital from its fund with two seed investments in Unrivaled, a new 3v3 professional women's basketball league, and Candy Funhouse, an influencer confectionary platform.
Antetokounmpo has expanded his efforts to make an impact beyond his incredible skills on the basketball court, and BYL Ventures is the latest addition. He also launched Improbable Media, a film production company, earlier this year. He's made investments in the Milwaukee Brewers, Nashville SC and LA Golf Club.
Antetokounmpo also continues to excel on the court, averaging a career-high 32.1 points this year for the 6-9 Bucks. He will be looking to lead the team to its third straight win on Friday against the Indiana Pacers (6-9).
Cavs Ownership Group Launches Bid for WNBA Expansion Franchise in Cleveland
Nov 20, 2024
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 30: A view of the WNBA logo before the game between the Seattle Storm and the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena on August 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The Rock Entertainment Group, which serves as the host for Dan Gilbert's sports and entertainment properties—including the Cleveland Cavaliers—is launching a bid for a WNBA expansion franchise in Cleveland, according to Jessica Golden of CNBC and the Associated Press.
"It has long been woven into our mission to utilize our platform to unite our community in ways that drive equal opportunities across the board," Nic Barlage, the CEO of the Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, told the AP. "To that end, we are actively pursuing bringing a WNBA expansion team to Cleveland."
Cleveland isn't the only city trying to get into the WNBA game, with Golden reporting that Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Philadelphia are also potential bidders.
"The good news is we have a lot of demand from many cities," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters last month. "I think the more people are watching the WNBA and seeing what we're growing here and seeing these players and the product on the court, more people are interested in having it in their cities."
The WNBA is adding a 13th franchise ahead of the 2025 season, the Golden State Valkyries, while Toronto and Portland have already been awarded future expansion franchises.
"We're not in a huge rush," Engelbert said while discussing a 16th future franchise. "We'd like to bring it in in 2027 or no later than 2028."
The league, bolstered by a growing interest in women's sports and the popularity of young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, saw its attendance hit its highest mark in 22 years and merchandise sales rise by over 600 percent compared to 2023, per Golden.
That growth has unsurprisingly led to an interest in expansion. Cleveland—which is already home to the Cavaliers, the NFL's Cleveland Browns and MLB's Cleveland Guardians, among other professional teams—should be able to put together a competitive bid.
"We have this unique convergence of infrastructure, culture and these foundational pieces that we think make Northeast Ohio, and specifically Cleveland, a great opportunity to expand from a WNBA perspective," Barlage told Golden.
Cleveland previously had a WNBA team, the Cleveland Rockers, from 1997-03.
"I just feel extraordinarily confident that, should a team be given to Cleveland—in part because of the city, in part because of what sports means here, in part because of the Cavs—it would immediately be a huge success," Cleveland Sports Commission CEO David Gilbert told Golden.
Donovan Mitchell Says Cavs 'Egos are Checked at the Door' amid 15-0 Start to Season
Nov 19, 2024
CLEVELAND, OH - November 15: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers celebrates during the game against the Chicago Bulls during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 15, 2024 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Cleveland Cavaliers are off to a historic 15-0 start, and their secret to success has been coming to practice and games with no ego.
During an appearance on The Pivot Podcast, Cavs star Donovan Mitchell explained how his team has approached the season thus far.
"For us, we understand each other," Mitchell said (19:00 mark). "When you're in the locker room with guys for more than one year, I know what you're like on a daily basis, I know your work habits, I know what gets you motivated, I know what gets you tired... We vibe with each other every day which is great, egos are checked at the door."
For a team full of rising stars such as Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, playing with no ego can be difficult, but the Cavs are still unproven and seem to understand that.
A 15-0 start is great, but the ultimate goal is winning a championship. Standing in the way of a championship is a long season and the playoffs. Mitchell believes his squad will be prepared for whatever is thrown their way.
"I have no doubt that when adversity hits, we're going to continue to get closer," Mitchell said. "But it's easy with a group that you rock with."
The Cavs have beat a handful of good teams on their way to an undefeated start, but their biggest test thus far will come on Tuesday when they face the Boston Celtics. If there is any doubt about Cleveland being a Finals contender, the Cavs can silence those doubts with a win over the defending champs.
Bucks' Doc Rivers Fined $25K by NBA After Criticizing Refs in Loss to Hornets
Nov 18, 2024
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 16: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 16, 2024 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has been fined $25,000 for his criticism of the referees following the Bucks' loss to the Hornets.
Following the 115-114 loss where a foul was called on Giannis Antetokounmpo in the closing seconds, resulting in game-winning free throws by LaMelo Ball, officials admitted that the call was not the right one.
Despite the reversed call after the game that came to-little to-late, Rivers expressed his disappointment to reporters.
"LaMelo Ball fell," Rivers said, per the Associated Press. "He just fell down. Nobody was near him. He slipped on his own. We come up with the ball and the game is over. So back-to-back games now we have had a call made against us that is incorrect. We were lucky in Detroit the kid missed two free throws. Tonight LaMelo Ball made the free throws."
Without a challenge left, Milwaukee had nothing left to do but look on hopelessly as Ball sunk both free-throws to secure the win.
Controversial foul calls are nothing new to the Bucks, who faced a similarly contentious situation last Wednesday in their 127-120 overtime win against the Detroit Pistons.
Antetokounmpo was once again called for a foul with one second left in the fourth quarter, sending Ron Holland to the line. Fortunately for the Bucks, Holland missed both free throws.
The foul call was later noted in the NBA's last-two-minute report, which deemed the call incorrect.
The Bucks hope to avoid another game decided by incorrect foul calls as they prepare to face the Houston Rockets on Monday.
