Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reactions to 90-88 Win Over Portland Trailblazers

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks made a great comeback against Portland, and their grades for the game reflect that big win.

You have to hand it to this young Bucks team for never giving up.

After leaving points on the table in the first half and not going up big on the cold-shooting Portland Trail Blazers, the Bucks allowed the Blazers to charge right back into the game in the third quarter. That’s a narrative Bucks fans can recite by heart at this point.

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The Bucks looked to have taken back control of the game midway through the fourth, but a 12-0 Blazers run left the Bucks down six with under three minutes left.

But Giannis Antetokounmpo and O.J. Mayo responded with six points each (two threes from Mayo, bless his soul), to bring the Bucks close, 88-87, with sixteen seconds remaining.

Almost miraculously the much maligned Michael Carter-Williams forced a jump ball the following inbound play (which he won…decisively), before finding Greg Monroe through a Portland double team for the go-ahead layup.

But the Bucks weren’t out of the woods yet. They left the Blazers with 5.6 seconds–enough time to stroll to the curb and check the mail by NBA standards. And they nearly sent the Bucks another disappointing loss when Meyers Leonard caught the ball in the mid-post with just one man to beat.

But that man was John Henson. And John Henson’s length should not be tested. He blocked Leonard’s attempt (Henson’s fourth block of the game), the Bucks recovered the loose ball, and sealed the game on the plus side of the court.

It was the sort of the game we’ve learned to expect from this team–lots of good play, but inconsistent.

Perhaps the second consecutive win is a sign the Bucks are regaining their mojo. Maybe they’re just lucky.

Either way, we’ve got your full coverage in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions to 90-88 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Next: Reactions: The Good