Milwaukee Bucks Conclude Preseason with Loss to Dallas Mavericks

The Milwaukee Bucks concluded their preseason exhibition schedule with a game against the Dallas Mavericks, where the Mavericks emerged victorious with a commanding 83-58 lead after the third quarter. Key performances from Dallas included Kyrie Irving, who scored 14 points, and Klay Thompson, who contributed 11 points.

In a game that saw the Bucks take an early 22-21 lead after the first quarter, thanks to contributions from Gary Trent Jr. and Anžej Pasečņiks, both of whom scored six points. By halftime, both players had reached 10 points, but it was Dallas who held the advantage, leading 54-38 at the break.

Bucks’ head coach Doc Rivers made the decision to rest stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Brook Lopez, opting instead to give bench players more playing time. Khris Middleton was ruled out due to his ongoing recovery from surgery on both ankles, and he has yet to participate in a full five-on-five practice session since the offseason.

Rivers originally intended to gradually increase Antetokounmpo’s minutes throughout the preseason after resting him in the first game against Detroit. Antetokounmpo had played 20 minutes against the Los Angeles Lakers and 23 minutes versus the Chicago Bulls. However, the decision was made to rest him against Dallas following a frustrating game against the Bulls where he received a technical and a Flagrant 1 foul.

On the Mavericks’ side, Luka Dončić was absent due to a left calf bruise, having missed all previous preseason games. Additionally, the Mavericks were without Maxi Kleber, Dante Exum, and Kessler Edwards due to various injuries. Initially planning to rest, Kyrie Irving decided to participate in the game.

In preparation for the regular season, the Bucks have also been making roster adjustments, with a focus on their G League team, the Wisconsin Herd. The team signed and waived several players, including Justise Winslow, to facilitate his move to the Herd. Winslow, a former top-ten draft pick, has played eight seasons in the NBA across various teams.

The Bucks previously waived players like Terence Davis and Ibou Badji and released rookie Philip Alston, who was part of their summer league team. James Akinjo was also waived prior to the game against Dallas. The Bucks will begin their regular NBA season on October 23 against the Philadelphia 76ers.