Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions to 2OT 113-106 Loss to Chicago Bulls in Game Three

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Michael Carter-Williams, B

19 Points | 9-21 FG | 1-1 FT | 4 REB | 9 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |

Rose going off isn’t completely on him. The interior defense failed just as much. Having said that, the interior defense isn’t responsible for staying in front of Rose when he does one of those dribble-until-he-finds-daylight plays. He’ll learn. Offensively Carter-Williams did some damage from outside, shooting 4-8 from 10-25 foot range (he was, of course, 0-2 from three). He still misses easy-looking layups and tends to get the offense going with just 10-12 seconds left on the shot clock. It’s hard to blame him when no one’s moving.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, B

25 Points| 10-22 FG | 2-2 FT | 11 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK |

Damn. He fell in love with the jumper a little bit (2-6), but was just one away from efficiency from outside. Where he really excelled was in transition. Remember Game 2 when he pulled out to the wing on a fast break? Yeah, none of that tonight. He attacked the rim at every chance he got–even putting ill-advised attempts into the outstretched paws of Jimmy Butler. That just never ends well. He was the only Bucks’ starter to finish with a non-negative (+/-). He was even.

Khris Middleton, A-

18 Points | 6-17 FG | 3-4 FT | 3 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |

I know what you’re thinking…”No way does a 6-17 shooter deserve an A”. And you’re right. Except for the fact that Middleton single-handedly pulled the Bucks from the brink late in the fourth quarter. His pair of three-pointers and go-ahead jumper were special. He would have gotten the game-winning glory if not for that nonsense foul call on Rose on the ensuing possession. Alas, such is playing ball in Milwaukee.

Ersan Ilyasova, B-

7 Points | 3-9 FG | 0-0 FT | 5 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

He made some jumpers. That’s progress right? I would love to know what his shooting percentage is on that step-back one-footed jumper off the dribble and falling away from the defender is. My guess is not very good. He was 1-2 on three pointers and could have easily taken three more without drawing criticism. Just let it fly, man!

Zaza Pachulia, B-

2 Points | 1-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |

He was severely outplayed by John Henson. In just nineteen minutes Pachulia earned a (+/-) of -18 and missed four shots. Henson starting in game four is a real possibility.

Next: Bucks Grades: Bench