Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions In 117-111 Loss To Houston Rockets

Reactions: The Bad

• The Bucks didn’t have an answer for the refs James Harden. Twice down the stretch Harden attacked the rim and twice the refs called a questionable foul call.  Harden hit both free throws both times, pushing Houston’s lead to five and six, respectively. The Bucks didn’t get the same generous calls. Harden shot seventeen free throws while Milwaukee as a team only shot fifteen. That’s not for lack of trying either. The Bucks attacked Houston’s interior defense all night and despite continually getting mugged didn’t get many calls.

• Josh Smith was two assists away from a triple double. No, seriously. He also shot 4-5 from three point range (he shot .302 from three in January) including a ridiculous attempt that jumped all around the rim before settling in. Josh Smith isn’t the terrible player he’s made out to be–but he’s definitely not triple-double good either. Sometimes you just have to shake your head and tip your hat.

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• The Buck’s transition defense has been solid most of the season. Not so much tonight. The Rockets were credited with 23 fast break points, a number that could have easily eclipsed 30 if the Bucks hadn’t made good fouls at the rim. When the Bucks did get back defensively they looked scrambled and confused, allowing the Rockets to find open three point shooters–particularly in the first half.

•  The Bucks are third in the league in three point percentage (.379), but couldn’t come up with any big shots against Houston. The Bucks were 4-17 from three while the Rockets shot 15-32. Late in the fourth quarter Khris Middleton and Brandon Knight missed open threes that could have made things really interesting. Instead, the shots fell harmlessly to Rocket’s players who pushed the ball up-court for the easy bail-out call.

Next: Grades: Bench