Whiteside Blocks Antetokounmpo For Second Time During Bucks/Jazz Game

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Hassan Whiteside rejected Giannis Antetokounmpo for a second time during the first half of Utah’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

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

With 7:00 remaining in the first half, Antetokounmpo attempted to drive at the Jazzman only to have his shot get swatted by Whiteside for a second time in the game.

Hassan up for the challenge 👀#TakeNote | @youngwhiteside pic.twitter.com/Tfz3C4uKM7

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 15, 2022

Whiteside first rejected a shot by Antetokounmpo with 6:15 left in the first quarter.

Agent Block rejected The Greek Freak 👀🖐#TakeNote #MILvsUTAhttps://t.co/GmVEze1Kfa

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 15, 2022

Milwaukee owned a three-point advantage at the time of Whiteside’s second swat.

At halftime, the Jazz trailed the Bucks by nine points, 68-59.

Whiteside had had one point, four rebounds, one assist, and two blocks.

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.

Follow @kyleireland