Coach Green Says New Orleans Pelicans Gave A 'Lackluster Performance' In Loss To The Milwaukee Bucks
New Orleans had a "lackluster performance" in the 141-117 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, grabbed 12 rebounds, and dished out four assists against the Pelicans, who had Zion Williamson back in the lineup.
"They [Bucks] dominated the game, and it was really a lackluster performance on our part," Willie Green noted in his postgame interview.
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives against New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks had four players scoring over twenty points while hitting 56% from the floor and 44.4% from beyond the arc. Center Brook Lopez was on fire with 24 points, including six treys.
"This is a tough back-to-back. We knew it flying up here. They had a back-to-back as well. Probably some tired legs, but our fight has to be better. Those guys in the locker room, they know it...tonight we didn't put our best foot forward," Green said.
Brandon Ingram scored 26 points and had six rebounds, while Zion Williamson contributed 23 points. Despite Jonas Valanciunas' double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds, the Pelicans lost by 24 points.
Jan 27, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) puts up a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans was down by 25 points to Milwaukee starting the 4th quarter and could never mount a comeback as the Bucks cruised to victory.
Green spoke about the Bucks versus the Pelicans three-point shots, saying, "Anytime a team makes 20 threes, and we only make nine, it's tough to catch up. So that's an area that we've improved, but we didn't do it tonight."
The New Orleans Pelicans (26-20) will travel and have a day off before meeting the Boston Celtics (35-11) at 6:30 PM CT in TD Garden on Monday, Jan. 29.
