NBA: Bucks fight back early to beat the Mavericks for two wins in a row

Dallas, Texas - The defending NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks were down early but ran a timely comeback on the road to defeat the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night.

Jrue Holiday added 24 points for the Bucks on Thursday night.
Jrue Holiday added 24 points for the Bucks on Thursday night.  © imago/ZUMA Press

The Bucks beat the Mavericks 102-95 for their second consecutive win and a chance for three-straight if they defeat the Celtics on Christmas Day.

For the Mavs, this was their third loss in the last four games.

Dallas did jump out early to a 23-15 lead in the first quarter, thanks in part to some great defense, but it didn’t last long.

NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure
NBA NBA's Joel Embiid to undergo left knee procedure

In the second quarter, the Bucks made some great offensive adjustments and fought back to a two-point deficit by halftime.

Milwaukee kept it up in the third by continuing to outplay Dallas to regain their third lead of the game, a lead they wouldn’t give up again.

The Bucks went into the fourth quarter with only a 75-74 lead but managed to hold off the Mavs to slip away with a big win.

The player spotlight

Bucks forward Khris Middleton led his team with 26 points against the Mavs.
Bucks forward Khris Middleton led his team with 26 points against the Mavs.  © IMAGO/Agencia EFE

With their biggest star out for the night, Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (30) was his team’s leader on Thursday night.

As Milwaukee’s second-leading scorer with 18.4 points per game behind the missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton has always been the top man to answer the call, giving the Bucks a great chance to win even while being shorthanded.

Middleton finished the game with 8-for-14 shooting from the field for 26 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

The big picture

Mike Budenholzer, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Mike Budenholzer, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.  © imago/PanoramiC

The Bucks can make it three wins in a row with another victory against the Celtics on Saturday, Christmas Day.

They are currently third in the Eastern Conference behind the Nets and Bulls, but can definitely gain at least a little bit of ground on them over the next few games. That is especially true for Brooklyn, who hasn’t played a game since last week due to Covid-related postponements.

On Christmas Day, the Bucks will be at home to host the Celtics, while the Mavericks will be on the road to face the Jazz.

Cover photo: IMAGO/Agencia EFE

More on NBA: