Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions In 106-95 Loss To Denver Nuggets

Mar 3, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) and guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) in the third quarter at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bucks 106-95. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Reactions: The Bad

Michael Carter-Williams played a solid game, going for eleven points, five assists, and four rebounds. Despite the numbers his night will be remembered mostly for this dud.

• Every time the Bucks reached striking distance late in the fourth quarter the Nuggets had an answer. Whether it was Danilo Gallinari or Ty Lawson the Nuggets made important shots when the Bucks needed to come up defensive stops. That’s sobering news for a Buck’s team that has built its reputation on being one of the league’s finest defenses. The Nuggets aren’t a great offensive team–but were still able to rattle off more than 100 points for the first time in six games against the NBA second best defense. Whatever mojo the Bucks had going into the All-Star break is just a distant memory.

• The Bucks need Zaza Pachulia to start playing better immediately. The recently turned 31-year-old continued his painful stretch of play this time failing to score (in thirteen minutes) and turning it over three times. The Buck’s starting center also failed to record a rebound. In the last five games Zaza is averaging 4.4 points on .276 shooting, with just 3.2 rebounds. and .2 blocks. Not only are those numbers poor, but the Bucks have a much better, much younger option residing on the bench. His name is John Henson. All Henson has done over the last five games is average 10.2 points on .571, with 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks. Not only is it bewildering that Henson was sent to the bench in the first place, but that he remains there is an absolute mystery.

Next: Grades: Starters