Golden State Warriors: Bucks Blowout Warriors in Monta Ellis' Return

"You can't win a game in the first quarter, but you sure can lose one". That was what Warriors' broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald had to say during Friday night's game, that saw the Milwaukee Bucks rout the Golden State Warriors on the road.

This game was highly hyped, as Monta Ellis played in his first game as a Milwaukee Buck, which, ironically, came against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors traded Ellis to Milwaukee on Wednesday for Andrew Bogut. 

Ellis received two standing ovations—one when he was introduced in the starting lineup, and again when a video tribute of him was shown on the jumbotron. Both times, Ellis acknowledged the crowd with a wave. 

As for the game itself, the Bucks took control in the first quarter, outscoring the Warriors 31-12. The Warriors played solid in the remaining three quarters, but it was their first quarter that led to their downfall. 

Mike Dunleavy, another former Warrior, scored a game high 24 points, hitting shot after shot from the perimeter. Luc Mbah a Moute notched a career high 22 points, along with 17 rebounds. He scored all of his points on either layups or dunks inside, and this is where Andrew Bogut could really help the Warriors.

The Warriors cut the lead down to seven points (46-39) midway through the second quarter, but that was as far as they would get. Milwaukee pushed the lead up to thirteen at halftime, and never looked back. The final score—Milwaukee 120, Golden State 98. 

As for Monta Ellis, he finished with 18 points on 6-15 shooting. He seemed a lot more passive than he was with Golden State. The reason for that could have been the fact that six Bucks finished in double-figures, including all five of their starters.

Or, he could just be learning the system, and didn't want to do too much. Whatever it is, Ellis has to be satisfied that he is finally on a playoff team that has won five straight games.

Ekpe Udoh, who was traded along with Ellis, did not score in fifteen minutes. He did have four rebounds.

The Warriors do not have much time to dwell on this loss, as they will fly to Utah tonight. Golden State will play at Salt Lake City against the Jazz on Saturday.