Bucks Lose Summer Opener: Mavs 73, Bucks 72
The Bucks lost their summer opener on a game they should have won in regulation although they may have been lucky to stick around as the Mavericks held the lead for most of the night. The game was not nearly as dull as most summer league games can be. There was some sloppiness by both sides, there were several blocks, some clutch shooting and a couple dunks that brought to crowd to its feet.
The Bucks took the lead in regulation on a Deron Washington putback of a Darnell Jackson miss with 0.3 left but the Mavericks tied it up with a lob towards the basket and tip in by JR Giddens. In overtime Washington again put the Bucks in the lead, this time it was a three with 5.9 remaining only to see Rodrigue Beaubois hit a three to win the game.
It was worth the watch, even if it didn’t end how we would like. This was the Bucks first game while Dallas already had played two games.
Larry Sanders
Line: 4-15 9pts, 7 reb, 3 blk, 6 TO in 32mins
Good: Sanders stands out. When you get multiple bodies to compare him against he does not look rail thin like so many “Long, Athletic” big guys. Sanders has broad shoulders and strength should not be a concern. He showed his athleticism and energy within the first two and a half minutes, Sanders had a deflection that led to a steal, a steal and a big block. He came out very active.
Bad: Safe to say his offense needs work. Sanders hit a couple jumpers late that shows he has the form and touch to become a good shooter. He also displayed some panic near the basket, he needs to learn to gather himself finish near the rim. Sanders displayed some nice post moves but they led to shots that were nowhere near going in. Some of this could just be due to first game gitters.
Sean Williams
Line: 3-6, 7pts, 6reb, 1blk in 18mins
Good: I thought Williams looked good. He got more time in the second half when the Bucks made a little run and I was intrigued by Williams rebounding and ablity to finish near the basket. He also took a charge that you do not see a lot of summer league guys taking. I think he could at worst fill in for Dan Gadzuric, which might not be saying much but when you compare salaries it is an upgrade.
Bad: Nothing really, just need to see more of him. I think he has a shot at getting onto the roster if he can keep it together off the court which has always been Williams biggest issue dating back to Boston College. Williams is 6-10 and can block shots, he will be given a chance.
Tiny Gallon
Line: 2-5, 5pts, 3reb in 6 mins.
Good: Gallon did not look as big as I expected, or should I say as fat as I expected. Looked like a big guy that knows how to use his body. Gallon had one sequence where he brought down the rebound, trailed on the break and hit a three. Very good shooting form for a big guy, looked like he belonged taking jumpers.
Bad: Looked a little lost on defense early on but not being on the floor was the biggest negative. Not sure why he did not get more time, hopefully we get to see more tonight.
Darnell Jackson
Line: 8-15, 17pts, 7reb, 1blk in 25 mins.
Good: The best chance of anyone on this summer roster making a true impact on the Bucks this season will come down to Jackson or Sanders. Jackson is the anti-Sanders in a lot of ways. Jackson is a very solid finisher at the basket while Sanders struggles. Sanders is extremely athletic while Jackson is limited in what he can do. Jackson also showed a nice passing touch on a cutter into the lane.
Bad: While Jackson played well he by no means dominated and for someone who has had some time in the league it is unsure if Jackson can contribute in a rotation. Another player we will need to see more from.
Guards
The Bucks do not have much for guards. Demarcus Nelson did some things OK, but overall there were several times guards missed wide open cutters and big men on the pick and roll cutting to the basket. A far cry from last summer when we had a guard light it up.
Announcers
Brutal! Kevin McHale and Joel Meyers were doing the announcing, I know it is summer league so what can I expect. At one point I could not believe my ears as McHale was predicting he “thought” John Salmons would opt out but he also thought Salmons “should” return. I had to rewind on my DVR to verify, McHale is apparently unaware the Salmons is already signed to an extension. This occurred very early in the game so I had no expectations going forward which maybe was McHale’s plan all along.