Oct 17, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) drives against Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) in the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Reactions: The Good
- If there was a single player who’s preseason performance worried Bucks fans the most, it’s Khris Middleton. Through the first three pre-season games the Bucks swingman scored just 16 points and had converted on ZERO of his four three point attempts. Whispers of big-contract malaise began to creep through the fan-base. Questions circulated about the long-term viability of the Bucks premier off-season re-signing…so much for that. He blew the lid off the rim in a big way Saturday night, going a very Khris Middleton(y) 3-6 from downtown, while shooting 9-14 from the field.
- The Bucks other big-name re-signing this summer had himself a great game. John Henson was again dominant in the paint–leading the Bucks with 13 rebounds while scoring 12 points (6-8) in just 18 minutes of action. Through the first four pre-season games Henson appears to have carried over the momentum that he gained from last season’s playoff series with the Bulls. Perhaps the “switch” finally flipped in his head, perhaps he’s matured as a professional, perhaps Jason Kidd is the center-whisperer. Who knows? What we are sure of is that Henson looks like he will live up to that big contract.
- Henson also did this…too bad it didn’t count.
- Chris Copeland made his Bucks debut after spending the first part of the preseason attending to a family matter. He demonstrated a full skill-set, taking three-pointers with fervor (2-9), taking the ball to the rim, and collecting a total of six rebounds in 27 minutes of action. As alluded to during the broadcast, Copeland should inherit the role that Jared Dudley commanded last season. That is, a forward who can come off the bench ready to contribute and make threes. That’s it. So far, so good.
- Giannis drilled both his three point attempts. And there was much rejoicing. Here is the more perfect of the pair–complete with held wrist-flick.
Next: Reactions: The Bad