BTBP Roundtable #10: All Or Nothing For The Bucks
By Adam McGee
Apr 23, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) dribbles the ball as Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) defends during the first quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
After his big performance in Game 5, do you have more confidence in Michael Carter-Williams?
AMcG: As far as this series is concerned, I think the matchup definitely plays towards his strengths. I’d have the confidence that he can give the Bucks what they need when faced up against smaller guards, but in a larger sense, the jury is still out for me.
TW: I do. I’m constantly flip-flopping on MCW, but he was great last game and showed what he could be capable of on a nightly basis once he gets a chance to refine his game. His defense was also great, and just another reason to be excited about this Bucks team, both for the next few games and for the next few years.
JT: Absolutely. MCW sure looked shaky throughout the series before Game 5 and there was a reason why Jerryd Bayless was out on the court with the season on the line in Game 4. MCW just looked dominant over a tired Derrick Rose (who played 42 minutes) and arguably played better after returning from an injury scare. It was no doubt his best game as a Buck and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
BA: I think *he* has more confidence, so that makes me have more confidence in him for this series. However, his problems long term are still there so I remain wary. He did show what he can bring to the table in terms of penetration though, so that should have fans optimistic.
JH: Yes. A point of emphasis towards the end of the regular season was MCW posting up opposing point guards. Even if he whiffed the shot he was always getting clean looks. When those around-the-rim shots are falling there’s nothing a smaller defender can do stop him. The Bulls will likely double down on him in the post so it will be up to Buck’s perimeter players to make the Bulls pay.
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