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Malika AndrewsESPN
LOS ANGELES – Eric Bledsoe had a busy day.
On Friday afternoon, the Milwaukee Bucks goaltender agreed to a four-year $ 70 million contract extension.
A few hours later, he dropped 31 points, an all-season high, and took the Bucks to a 131-120 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a playoff spot for the Bucks.
The Bucks are now leaving Southern California with 48 wins on the season. This total of wins is their highest total since 2001, the last time Milwaukee was able to come out of the first round of the playoffs.
Nevertheless, after the match, the Bucks seemed more focused on Bledsoe's pay day celebration – as well as the addition of veteran Pau Gasol, who had been allowed to join the Bucks after accepting a buyout with the San Antonio Spurs.
Bledsoe, generally more reserved and soft-spoken, answered questions from reporters for 10 minutes after the victory. He made pleasantries with a plastered smile on his face and professed: "I'm just happy to be a Buck."
"We are competing for something," said Bledsoe. "I just want to be part of it, it means a lot."
Bledsoe also added nine rebounds and five assists for the Bucks. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns Bucks in November 2017. Since then, Bledsoe has worked with the coaching staff to reduce setbacks and increase his defense energy.
Asked about the extension of his teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo said he was happy that the leader was signed long-term.
"It's a great feeling," said Antetokounmpo. "Great to have Bledsoe on the same team for the next four years – he deserves it – he did everything the team wanted him to do – an incredible leader."
Nikola Mirotic said that he was not even aware that this victory had consolidated the Bucks' place in the post-season.
"Oh wow," Mirotic said when he found out. "It's good news, we do not want to relax, we have – how many?" There are still 20. Obviously, we are very happy for Bledsoe, and Bledsoe's show continues.
Khris Middleton told ESPN that two years ago, winning the playoffs would have been a milestone. This year, the Bucks have more ambitious goals: enter the playoffs with a competitive ranking and exit the first round.
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