Milwaukee Bucks’ Grades And Reactions in 101-95 Loss to San Antonio Spurs

Fuelled by a 16-0 first quarter run the Milwaukee Bucks took an early 24-12 lead over the San Antonio Spurs. The Bucks got there by making open shots, finding cutters in the paint, and generating turnovers on defense–effectively “out-Spurring” the Spurs. But the defending champions responded with a 9-0 run of their own, taking advantage of four Bucks’ turnovers (three from Brandon Knight) in the final 2:48 of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw the Bucks regain offensive stability using strong play from John Henson and O.J. Mayo, teaming up to push San Antonio’s defensive limits. By the end of the half the Bucks were shooting .575, tallying 18 assists on 23 made shots.

The wheels fell off halfway through the third quarter after the Bucks took a 62-51 lead (or the refs remembered the Bucks shouldn’t threaten the champs). The Spurs took eight free throws to the Buck’s zero to close the quarter while getting the benefit of the doubt every time the Bucks drew contact.

The Spurs would carry their momentum well into the fourth quarter and held a 93-84 lead with 3:43 left in the game. But the Bucks had one last run left in them and trimmed the Spurs’ lead to two with :24 remaining. Jerryd Bayless came up just short on an 8-foot floater to tie the game and the Spurs, fittingly, sealed the game at the free throw line.

It’s easy to play loose and free when there’s no expectations, but when you take a double digit lead against the champs you must be prepared for a counter-punch. The Bucks simply weren’t, and watched an opportunity to win a statement game slip away.

Click through for more reactions, ref-slamming, and Milwaukee Bucks grades from the loss in San Antonio.

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