San Antonio Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways and Star Performer

The San Antonio Spurs (30-6) beat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-98 despite a slow start. Tony Parker missed the contest with right hip soreness.
It was a slower start than usual for San Antonio on Monday night against an improving Bucks (14-22) team. San Antonio began the contest trailing 17-9 before turning things around. San Antonio outscored Milwaukee 51-32 the rest of the half. The Spurs shot 54 percent from the field and outrebounded Milwaukee 44-35. Kawhi Leonard led the Spurs with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting.
San Antonio swept the Bucks in their season series. On Dec. 2 the Spurs topped the Bucks 95-70. Tim Duncan led the Spurs with 16 points and 10 rebounds in that game.
Key Takeaways
-Tim Duncan scored!
On Saturday night against the Houston Rockets, Tim Duncan went scoreless for the first time in his 19-year career. On Monday, he went for 14 points and 10 rebounds in only 27 minutes. It was clear that Duncan was back on track after going 0-for-3 in only 14 minutes against the Rockets.
–Jonathon Simmons provides spark
The Spurs got a huge boost from Jonathon Simmons. The 26-year-old went for 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting in 20 minutes. Simmons also went 6-of-7 from the charity stripe. On the season, Simmons is averaging 6 points on 52 percent shooting. Maybe the Spurs should play him a little more.
-Patty Mills solid in spot start
Patty Mills was asked to fill in for Parker on Monday night and he was solid. Mills finished with 10 points and five assists in 28 minutes. The 27-year-old was 3-of-5 from downtown and committed only one turnover.
Star Performer
This one is tough but it’s easier to side with Duncan. Duncan had more of a complete game than Leonard who finished with an uncharacteristic two rebounds and one assist. Both players were extremely efficient as well.
Notes:
–LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points and 11 rebounds
–Danny Green finished with three points on 1-of-6 shooting in 14 minutes
–Boris Diaw wound up with 14 points and four rebounds
-San Antonio is now 10-6 on the road