Damian Lillard made his return from concussion protocol with a bang, scoring a clutch driving layup with 3.9 seconds left to give the Milwaukee Bucks a dramatic 101-100 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night.
The basket not only sealed the win for Milwaukee but also ended the Rockets’ five-game winning streak, sending them back to the drawing board after a tough loss.
Lillard, who had missed the previous three games due to a concussion, finished with 18 points, showcasing his usual scoring prowess when his team needed him most. His game-winning layup capped off a thrilling back-and-forth contest that saw the Rockets erase a 14-point third-quarter deficit and take the lead in the fourth. Despite their late-game heroics, Houston couldn’t hold on, as Lillard’s timely basket proved to be the difference-maker.
Bucks’ Defense Shines, Lillard and Giannis Deliver Late
While Lillard’s late-game heroics grabbed the headlines, it was a critical defensive play by Giannis Antetokounmpo that helped give Milwaukee the chance to win. With 20 seconds left, Antetokounmpo blocked a shot from Houston’s Alperen Sengun, preserving the Bucks’ slim deficit. This defensive stop set up the final sequence, which saw Lillard’s game-winning layup and a series of failed attempts by Houston to respond.
Giannis was once again a force for Milwaukee, contributing 20 points and 14 rebounds. His performance, alongside Lillard’s, was crucial in overcoming a strong push from the Rockets. Brook Lopez also played a pivotal role, posting a double-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks. Lopez’s 27-point outburst marked one of his best performances of the season, proving that Milwaukee’s big men can dominate on both ends of the floor when needed.
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Rockets Rally But Fall Short in Final Moments
The Rockets, coming off a high-scoring victory against the Chicago Bulls the night before, displayed resilience in this matchup, especially after trailing by 14 points midway through the third quarter. Houston mounted a comeback early in the fourth and managed to hold the lead for most of the final period, but they were unable to close the game out. Despite a strong individual performance from Fred VanVleet, who led the team with 26 points, the Rockets were undone by missed opportunities in the final moments.
Jalen Green also contributed with 21 points, while Sengun added 18, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Bucks’ strong defense and timely offense. Houston’s struggles in the closing seconds, including a botched inbound pass from VanVleet, prevented them from getting another shot off after Lillard’s clutch bucket.
Bucks’ Defense Stifles Rockets’ Shooting
One of the key factors in the Rockets’ loss was their shooting struggles. After putting up an impressive 143 points in their last outing, Houston’s offense hit a wall against Milwaukee’s defense. The Rockets shot just 9-for-32 from beyond the arc, a 28.1% clip that contributed to their lowest field-goal percentage of the season at 40%. The Bucks’ defense, anchored by Lopez and Antetokounmpo, was instrumental in keeping Houston from finding consistent rhythm on offense.
The Rockets’ inability to hit shots from deep was especially glaring in a game where scoring was at a premium. With Lillard and Giannis firing on all cylinders, the Bucks were able to clamp down defensively, especially in the game’s final moments, to secure the win.
Key Moment: A.J. Green’s Three Puts Bucks Back in Contention
The pivotal moment of the game came when A.J. Green buried a 3-pointer with 1:17 left in the fourth quarter, cutting the Rockets’ lead to just 100-99. The shot gave the Bucks the boost they needed to make a final push, and from there, they were able to capitalize on Lillard’s clutch layup to take the lead for good. Green’s timely shot was a critical momentum-shifter for Milwaukee, as it set up the sequence that ultimately led to their victory.
Green’s ability to hit that clutch shot underscored the Bucks’ depth and their capability to rely on multiple contributors down the stretch. While Lillard and Giannis were the headline acts, Green’s three-pointer was a key part of the Bucks’ late-game surge.
Bucks Show Promise After Slow Start
This win was another step forward for the Bucks, who have now won three of their last four games after a sluggish 2-8 start to the season. Despite their early-season struggles, Milwaukee is beginning to find a rhythm, with Lillard and Giannis continuing to gel together as one of the most dynamic duos in the NBA. If Lopez can continue to provide solid performances like this one, the Bucks will be a tough team to beat as they look to climb the standings.
Lopez’s resilience after a hard fall early in the second quarter was another encouraging sign for Milwaukee. He briefly left the game but returned and played a major role in the victory, showing that he is more than capable of stepping up when his team needs him most.
Rockets’ Winning Streak Ends Amid Missed Opportunities
For the Rockets, this loss was a tough blow, particularly after their impressive run of five straight wins. Houston had an opportunity to extend their winning streak but faltered down the stretch. With VanVleet’s missed pass and a lack of execution in the final moments, the Rockets were unable to capitalize on their late-game advantage. The loss also highlighted the team’s struggles with consistency, as they were unable to carry over their high-scoring performance from the night before.
This game also marked a regression in Houston’s shooting efficiency, as they struggled to hit shots from beyond the arc. Their inability to convert on open looks from deep was a significant factor in the outcome of the game, especially given the close nature of the contest.
Bucks’ Defensive Identity Begins to Take Shape
One of the most encouraging signs for the Bucks was their defensive performance. While their offense has always been potent with Lillard and Giannis leading the charge, it’s been their defense that’s been the difference in recent wins. Against Houston, Milwaukee held their opponents to just 100 points and made key stops in the final moments, including Antetokounmpo’s clutch block on Sengun. If the Bucks can continue to pair their offensive firepower with solid defense, they could be a force to reckon with in the East.
Key Stat: Rockets’ Shooting Woes Cost Them the Game
The key stat of the night was Houston’s shooting struggles. The Rockets shot just 9-of-32 from three-point range, a percentage that doomed their chances of winning. Their inability to convert on open looks was exacerbated by Milwaukee’s stingy defense, which closed out on shooters and limited Houston’s effectiveness from deep. Despite being in control for much of the second half, the Rockets couldn’t execute in the final moments and ultimately paid the price for their shooting woes.
Looking Ahead: Both Teams Return to Action Wednesday
Both teams will be back on the floor Wednesday, with the Rockets hosting the Indiana Pacers and the Bucks taking on the Chicago Bulls at home. For Milwaukee, they’ll look to build on this momentum and continue their climb up the standings. Meanwhile, Houston will aim to regroup after a tough loss and get back to their winning ways against a tough Pacers team.
Conclusion: Lillard’s Clutch Performance Secures Bucks’ Win
In the end, Damian Lillard’s late-game heroics were the difference, giving the Bucks a crucial win over the Rockets in a game that saw both teams battle through adversity. Milwaukee’s defense, led by Giannis and Lopez, stifled Houston’s offense, while Lillard’s game-winning layup capped off a thrilling finish. As the Bucks continue to find their rhythm after a slow start, this win could serve as a turning point in their season. For the Rockets, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from this tough defeat.