Jazz Center Whiteside Swats Bucks’ Antetokounmpo With Thwarting Block

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Hassan Whiteside crushed a shot attempt by former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with a hindering block during Utah’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Jazz hosted the Bucks at Vivint Arena on Monday, March 14.

With 6:15 left in the first quarter, Antetokounmpo drove the baseline in an attempt to try a three-foot reverse.

Whiteside held his position in the paint and halted the attempt with a big block.

Utah owned a 22-16 lead at the time of Whiteside’s swat.

⛔️ HASSAN DENIAL ⛔️#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/TpOpFMqHOV

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 15, 2022

At the end of the first quarter, the Jazz owned a 39-37 lead. Whiteside had three rebounds, one assist, and a block in seven minutes of action.

This season, Whiteside is averaging 8.5 points, 7.9 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 1.5 blocks per contest.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz

Though the Jazz want to consider themselves championship contenders, they may not roll out a championship-worthy roster when they host Milwaukee.

Rudy Gobert was listed as questionable against the Bucks after missing Saturday’s win with an injured big toe on his left foot.

Bojan Bogdanovic meanwhile wasn’t listed on the team’s injury report Sunday but didn’t go through shootaround Monday morning due to a left calf strain. Bogdanovic played Saturday night after missing Friday’s game in San Antonio with a leg bruise.

Bucks Bringing Back Key Piece

While the Jazz were unsure of who would be available against Milwaukee, the Bucks welcomed back a key piece of their championship roster in Brook Lopez.

The @utahjazz could be shorthanded against Milwaukee tonight, while the @Bucks are welcoming two major pieces back to the lineup. #TakeNote https://t.co/AeMxhXu2m2

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 14, 2022

Lopez hadn’t played since opening night, underwent back surgery in early December, and has been rehabilitating the injury over the last three months.

Without Lopez, the Bucks defense had fallen outside of the top 10 in the NBA this season for the first time under coach Mike Budenholzer.

Former Jazzman George Hill is expected to return to the Bucks lineup after missing the last 16 games with neck soreness.

Despite the injuries, the Bucks own the second-best record in the East behind the Miami Heat.

Utah’s game against Milwaukee is broadcast on ESPN, AT&T SportsNet, and The Zone Sports Network.

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