MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks found themselves stranded in New Orleans due to an unprecedented snowstorm, resulting in an extended stay that allowed them to become acquainted with the hotel staff.
They finally returned to Milwaukee less than three hours before their scheduled game on Thursday night, which was delayed by an hour to accommodate their late arrival. Despite the disruption, the Bucks delivered a commanding 125-96 win against the Miami Heat, marking their fifth straight victory.
This impressive performance came after the team had not practiced since their home win over the Philadelphia 76ers the prior Sunday. The Bucks traveled to New Orleans ahead of the severe weather, which ultimately left them stranded when over a foot of snow fell, causing their planned game against the Pelicans on Wednesday to be postponed.
Coach Doc Rivers commented on the unusual experience, noting that spending three days confined to a hotel room without any basketball activities was a strange situation. He praised the Four Seasons staff, who also faced the storm by staying overnight, highlighting how their presence turned a tough situation into a manageable one.
Amidst limited activities, the Bucks attempted to find ways to stay engaged, with star player Giannis Antetokounmpo spotted dribbling a basketball in the hotel ballroom. Antetokounmpo shared his experience of indulging in the local cuisine, confessing, “Ate a lot of gumbo, lot of gumbo, man. I kind of got tired of gumbo.”
Rivers credited Antetokounmpo along with Damian Lillard for their leadership and preparation, emphasizing the team’s commitment to play despite the challenging circumstances. He commented on the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, especially with a congested schedule ahead.
Although the Bucks faced an uphill battle early in the game, falling behind 18-3 midway through the first quarter, they recovered and went on to dominate the remainder of the contest. Rivers expressed pride in the team’s professionalism and execution.
Gary Trent Jr. stood out with a season-high 21 points, sinking seven out of ten three-point attempts, while Lillard, who had a slow start, ended the game with an impressive 29 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. A near triple-double for Lillard was hindered by a rebound that was initially recorded to him but later credited to teammate Brook Lopez. Lillard humorously lamented the decision, saying, “Man, you all got to give that rebound back for me.”
Reflecting on his past experiences, Lillard recalled a similar instance during the 2020-21 season with the Trail Blazers that involved battling weather challenges. He thrived under pressure, consistently welcoming opportunity amid adversity.
Looking ahead, the Bucks are scheduled to embark on a challenging four-game trip, beginning with a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. Rivers noted the difficulties posed by the unexpected delay, indicating that some players might find themselves packing last minute.
Antetokounmpo provided a broader perspective amid the challenges faced by the team, reminding everyone that their situation paled in comparison to the challenges many others were enduring. He appreciated their comfort, highlighting luxuries such as their accommodations and private travel arrangements. He concluded, emphasizing that their conditions were manageable and that he had faced much worse in the past.
