The Houston Rockets absolutely stomped the Milwaukee Bucks 132-100 in a total blowout, completely derailing Milwaukee’s attempt to build on their previous win. This wasn’t just a loss for the Bucks, it was a statement from Houston, one that saw Fred VanVleet lead a balanced attack with 24 points and Amen Thompson looking like a star.
Milwaukee’s Fleeting Hope in a Choppy First Half
Milwaukee actually started this game looking pretty solid, matching the Rockets shot for shot and preventing any big runs from Houston. But the vibe was choppy, you know? Things finally clicked late in the first quarter, though. The Bucks found their rhythm, putting together a sweet 7-0 run to grab their first lead at 19-16. Tyler Herro was cooking with a finger roll lay-up and a mid-range floater, then AJ Green drained a three. But the real highlight of that first quarter? Nate Ament rising up to block Jabari Smith Jr. on a baseline jumper. That kind of defensive effort kept the Bucks in it even as their offense went cold, ending the quarter down just 23-21.
Then the second quarter hit, and man, the defense just evaporated. The Rockets opened with an 8-0 run, pushing their lead to double digits like it was nothing. As the Bucks’ starters rotated back in, the defense tightened up a bit, but the offense? Woof. AJ Green hit a three around the 10-minute mark, and then the Bucks went *four minutes* without scoring. Tyler Herro finally broke the seal at the six-minute mark, but by two minutes left in the quarter, Milwaukee had shot a brutal 4/21. The Rockets just tightened their defense, building a massive 22-point lead. Honestly, it was just an unremarkable offensive quarter for the Bucks, they couldn’t find their stroke at all. The only silver lining was that their team defense still showed some fight, kinda matching Houston’s pressure.
Rockets Kept Pouring It On, Bucks Couldn’t Get Stops
The third quarter started with Milwaukee showing a bit more fire, getting out to a faster start and chipping away at the deficit. Ryan Rollins was hustling, logging four quick assists and a bucket as he pushed the pace and found open guys. They actually scored the ball decently this period, which is something. The problem? They couldn’t get any stops. Zero. Houston still won the quarter 38-34, which tells you everything you need to know about the Bucks’ defensive struggles.
Amen Thompson, though? Dude was special. He ended the third quarter leading the Rockets with an impressive 23 points. He was showing off his versatility as a scorer and looked so much more comfortable out there with Fred VanVleet back from injury. By the time the buzzer sounded for the third, H-Town was up big, 95-69.
Down by 26 points, the Bucks started the fourth quarter with Brayden Burries, AJ Green, and Ou trying to turn the tide.
This is a tough one for Milwaukee. Getting blown out by 32 points after trying to build some momentum means they have some serious issues to figure out, especially on defense. Houston, on the other hand, just put the league on notice. When their offense is clicking and guys like VanVleet and a comfortable Amen Thompson are doing their thing, they are absolutely dangerous.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Brew Hoop.
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