Bucks, Lakers returned to normal in Game 2 wins

The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks have restored some sense of normalcy to these anything-but-normal NBA playoffs.

The top-seeded teams in the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively, lost their openers and are now looking to take control of their series. The Lakers could pull ahead of the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday and the Bucks could take the lead on the pesky Orlando Magic.

Lakers forward LeBron James has been around too long to get too worked up about one loss. He was confident the Lakers would recover from their Game 1 setback, and they looked much like their pre-pandemic selves in beating the Trail Blazers 111-88 on Thursday.

“I know what we’re capable of,” he said. “I know how we’re built. I don’t compare us to anyone. I compare us to us.”

The Lakers were fully aware of the challenge they would face against the talented Blazers entering the series, led by All-Star guard Damian Lillard.

“This team was in the conference finals last year,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “They have the ability to be one of the best teams in the NBA. I don’t view it as an underdog matchup. They’re a heavyweight the way they play and with a player like Dame Lillard.”

Lillard dislocated the index finger on his left hand on Thursday. Portland coach Terry Stotts said Friday that Lillard received treatment throughout the day and he is expected to play with a splint.

Milwaukee bounced back from its opening loss to Orlando by rolling past the Magic 111-96 on Thursday. Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 points and 20 rebounds.

Game 1 was humbling for the team with the league’s best record. Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP, said the Bucks were better focused in Game 2.

They’ll need that same focus in Game 3.

MAGIC VS. BUCKS

Series tied 1-1. Game 3, noon CT, FOX Sports Wisconsin.

— NEED TO KNOW: The Bucks looked more like a No. 1 seed on Thursday, jumping on the Magic early and taking a 64-43 halftime lead en route to a 15-point win. The Magic ran out to a double-digit lead early in Game 1, so the start might be an indicator of how the game will go.

— KEEP AN EYE ON: Brook Lopez. He emerged as a second scorer for the Bucks in Game 2, supporting Giannis Antetokounmpo with 20 points on 8 for 12 shooting. He might be needed again if All-Star Khris Middleton continues to struggle.

— INJURY WATCH: Orlando’s Aaron Gordon is listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain. He has not played in the playoffs. He averaged 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds during the regular season.

— PRESSURE IS ON: Middleton. He is averaging eight points and shooting 25% from the field for the series, down from his 20.9 scoring average during the regular season.