Well, there it was crystal clear that this was the first game following the All-Star break. Both teams started absolutely ice cold from the floor, culminating in a very boring first quarter of play. Things would eventually heat up for both teams as they both emerged from their initial slumps, but overall — a very rusty opening 12 minutes. Despite Milwaukee’s seven turnovers, they only found themselves down 22-20.
The Bucks would make up lost ground in the second period play. Some splashes from Khris Middleton would help the rest of the squad get back into a groove, and Milwaukee would surge into a 53-47 halftime lead.