By the Numbers: Bucks Win in Bledsoe's Debut

Having Bledsoe around makes life easier especially for Giannis Antetokuonmpo

Giannis Antetokuonmpo had another stellar performance against an elite team in the West.

After starting the season with an impressive record, the Milwaukee Bucks stumbled anew as they dropped 4 straight games. Fortunately, Eric Bledsoe, who was traded from the Phoenix Suns, made life brighter and easier for the Bucks despite not participating in any of the Bucks' practices right after the deal aside from the morning shootaround heading into their game against the San Antonio Spurs.

In a game that was relatively close all throughout, the Milwaukee Bucks came out victorious as they beat the inconsistent San Antonio Spurs, 94-87- thanks to another MVP-like performance from the Greek Freak and a stellar performance from the Bucks' newest point guard, Eric Bledsoe.

As mentioned, the game between the Spurs and Bucks was close but below are the numbers that won the game for the Bucks:

58 Rebounds

Now, the Bucks are only averaging 38 rebounds per game heading into the game against the Spurs- and they are 38th in the league in rebounds. Against San Antonio who is 9th in the league with 45 rebounds per game, the Bucks grabbed 58 rebounds- 11 of those came from the offensive ends. Aside from his 28 points to lead all scorers, Giannis Antetokuonmpo also grabbed 12 rebounds. Now that's all-around performance, folks.

The Bledsoe Effect

Make no mistake, folks. Eric Bledsoe is still among the exciting guards we have in the NBA where everyone was talking about Steph Curry, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, among others. In his much-awaited debut for the Bucks, Bledsoe scored 13 points and dished out 7 assists in 29 minutes of action. With Bledsoe at the point guard position, the Bucks just earned a dynamic duo which includes Bledsoe and the Greek Freak. The future looks brighter for these Bucks, right?

Aggressiveness: Worked Both Ways

Like it or not, the Bucks were the more aggressive team last night as they pounded on the points especially in the shaded area where they were able to outscore the Spurs, 52-44. Also, the wards of Coach Jason Kidd were able to run on the break, outscoring San Antonio, 19-8 in fastbreak points. Aside from attacking the inside defense of the Spurs which allowed the Bucks to get 13 fouls, it was Milwaukee's aggressive defense that made the difference. The Bucks had 7 blocks- 4 from Antetokuonmpo alone. 

Conclusion

Eric Bledsoe's numbers during his Milwaukee debut may be a small thing but give him and Giannis Antetokuonmpo time to blend in, they might become the next best 1-2 punch not just in the East but, in the entire NBA.