Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions In 117-111 Loss To Houston Rockets
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
Brandon Knight, C
12 Points| 5-14 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 11 AST | 5 STL | 0 BLK |
Aside from the final three minutes and overtime against the Lakers, Knight hasn’t looked good since missing Monday’s game in Toronto. His shots are falling well short of the mark–his sideline three late in the game barely drew rim. Despite poor shooting he passed very well racking up eleven assists, including a thread-the-needle pass to Gutierrez for an easy layup. He recorded five steals, but also committed three turnovers including a head-scratching “forgot to dribble” turnover at half court on a fast break.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, A+
27 Points| 11-16 FG | 5-6 FT | 15 REB | 4 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
Giannis will earn serious discussion as a true “Most Improved Player” candidate following his performance against Houston. When Giannis is in control of those stretchy tendrils called “legs” there’s no stopping him. His footwork against Houston was impeccable, fittingly coming in front of one of the NBA’s all-time great dancers, Hakeem Olajuwon.
The way he uses his length to find the rim makes you wonder how high his ceiling is. Oh, and don’t forget about that jumper he’s been working so hard to improve. He shot 4-4 outside the paint including a turn-around jumper that rolled around and in, and a V8 Splash from nineteen feet with the shot clock expiring. The twenty-year-old is already scary good.
Khris Middleton, C+
10 Points | 4-11 FG | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |
Middleton managed to score in double digits for the third straight game, despite never finding his range from deep. He shot 0-4 from behind the arc, including a late attempt from the corner that he’s made so often this season. On a different attempt he hesitated to shoot, marveling at the space James Harden allowed, before missing badly. He nailed an impressive turnaround jumper in the third quarter, but aside from that shot didn’t create much for himself.
Jared Dudley, C
5 Points | 2-4 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
Dudley turned in his second consecutive anonymous performance. Aside from swishing his only three point attempt, Dudley couldn’t get much going offensively. His off-the-ball movement was limited most of the night as he never really got anything consistent going. Hopefully he won’t have to play the PF very much longer.
John Henson, B
12 Points| 6-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |
An aspect of Henson’s game that doesn’t get enough love is his passing. While his lefty hook gets the chicks, and his shot-blocking gets the “oohs”, it’s his passing that’s been a central part of his improved play. Tonight he recorded four assists, including a dish to Mayo out of the deep post. He would earn higher marks, but only tallying two rebounds in 21 minutes of action isn’t very impressive.
Next: Grades: Bench