Spurs top Bucks in Finals rematch, 122-116.

The Greek Freek's 36-PTS were not enough tonight.

Giannis Antetokounmpo powered his team at home, as the outcome was up in the air throughout, with the defending champions earning the road victory. It was the first meeting between the best two teams of last season, and it did not look good for the Spurs early: the first possession led to an interception that had The Greek Freek thundering the ball through the basket on a fierce jam.

Brandon Ingram would have a career night, however, drawing the foul on a three-pointer and dunking the ball on the fast break. The former Duke star had 26 points before the halftime buzzer sounded, as the Spurs surged back into control with a 12-2 run, bolstered by a steal from Joakim Noah, leading to another stuff by Ingram.

Mike Muscala showed off his range with a three, sparking what would become a 46-31 advantage for San Antonio. The Bucks would rally and make it just 59-57 at halftime, closing it out on an 11-3 burst, with Antetokounmpo fouling Skal Labissiere out of the game early.

The lead was 80-70 when Brandon Ingram crossover-ed George Hill for the fierce jam past the Milwaukee defense, seconded by Ingram and Avery Bradley knocking down corner threes, 109-102. Continuously, Giannis willed his team into a position to pull out the win at home, but even when Ingram would miss, Joakim Noah would dunk it down off the second chance, 114-109: Spurs. Dejounte Murray's tough lay-in raised the Spurs to 116 points on the night, as Antetokounmpo missed a crucial free throw late. Avery Bradley made a layup on the other end, then also hit two free throws. Milwaukee would foul Ingram next, who iced the contest at the line.

Dejounte Murray's layup all but ended this contest.

"Well, Brandon can light it up with the best of them. He showed that tonight. We're lucky to have him, not just his scoring but hey--the guy had four blocks and a couple of steals. You gotta respect that level of talent. He's very versatile on the court," Coach Popovich commented on his new best player's career performance. Ingram went 13-19, making five threes.

Dishing the ball, Dejounte Murray racked up 10 assists with 17 points. Avery Bradley had 16 points. Joakim Noah played hard for 4 steals, 9 points and 6 boards. Iman Shumpert and Patty Mills chipped in 18. In the close defeat, Giannis went 14/25 with 11 rebounds and 8 assists. Eric Bledsoe had his moments for 17 points with 6 assists, going 7/16. Khris Middleton contributed 22 points, making three from long range. Despite the defeat, the Bucks commanded the glass 39-23 over San Antone.

Both teams shot above 50%, with the Spurs winning the first quarter 31-27, the Bucks winning the second quarter 30-28, the Spurs winning the third quarter 32-27, and the Bucks edging a 32-31 score for the final period. The Bucks have to be disappointed after missing six free throw attempts, being the final margin of defeat, as the Spurs stole the ball ten times and Milwaukee did it seven times.