Bucks Blow 17 Point Lead; Lose Game Five 114-108

By Adam Roberts – 6/16/2021

I’m not mad, I’m just disappointed. Yet again.

Pain and Bucks playoff basketball have been attached at the hip for the last couple of postseasons, with the trouble starting with three straight losses to Toronto in 2017. It was followed by another round one exit the following season despite some clear progress. Then the pain was escalated in 2019 with the loss of four straight to the Raptors in what was Milwaukee’s best shot at a Finals appearance during this current run. And of course we can’t forget the collapse in the bubble last year, where the team just didn’t seem to have the same gusto they had before the pandemic shut down the league.

Last night was just the latest episode of everyone’s favorite NBA sitcom “Milwaukee Pain”.

The Bucks are down a game in the best-of-seven East semifinal series after a 114-108 loss to the Nets in Brooklyn. Milwaukee led by double digits at halftime and seemed in control, neutralizing James Harden who already was nowhere near his usual self, and in the fourth quarter the Bucks lead was 17 at one point.

But Kevin Durant had other plans, and stepped up to the task of carrying the load with his two superstar athletes Harden and Kyrie Irving injured. Durant played every minute as he tallied 49 points, 17 rebounds and ten assists in the winning effort. Harden had just five, six, and eight in 46 minutes of action.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points and 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who now trail 3-2 in the series and will play to save their season tomorrow in Milwaukee. Coverage on ESPN La Crosse 105.5 and here on espnlacrosse.com begins tomorrow at 7pm.