Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks 97 New York Knicks 122 Grades & Reactions

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Michael Carter Williams, C

20 Points | 6-17 FG | 8-9 FT | 5 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

The sometimes good, the often bad, and the mostly ugly. On the surface, 20 points, five rebounds and four assists sounds like an excellent night, but MCW did just as much to be counterproductive. His 17 field goal attempts felt like far too many, particularly as he couldn’t make anything away from the rim, while his six turnovers were a major factor in swaying the game when it was still in balance. He had the right aggression and energy early on, but might have just run too far with it. Evidence that a busy night isn’t always a good one.

Jerryd Bayless, D

4 Points| 0-6 FG | 4-4 FT | 6 REB | 2 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |

Played off-the-ball, although maybe should have taken over some of the ball-handling duties when MCW was struggling. In a lineup where he isn’t supposed to be the primary distributor, you’re going to look to Bayless for shooting. 0-6 from the field with only two assists and three turnovers of his own should put him to the back of the rotation when Mayo and Giannis return.

Khris Middleton, C

11 Points | 4-15 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |

Got his three-point stroke going a little with three smooth makes from deep, but this was far from a vintage Khris Middleton performance. Contributed little on the boards and had no steals, both unusual for him, but matched up with Carmelo Anthony he did a stellar job, limiting the All-Star to only 11 points.

Chris Copeland, B

8 Points | 3-7 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

Solid opening night from a new addition who many didn’t know what to expect from. Copeland wasted no time getting off the mark, knocking down Milwaukee’s first points of the game with a three-pointer. He would add another later, and 2-3 from deep, low volume, efficient shooting is what he’s here for. Showed some nice energy with an offensive board and putback when nothing was really going for the Bucks too.

Greg Monroe, B+

22 Points| 7-17 FG | 8-10 FT | 14 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK |

Turns out Greg Monroe comes in exactly as billed. A monster inside, a hunger for offensive boards, some nifty spin moves, and a poor defender. On the defensive glass, Monroe needs to box out much better, while concentration and coaching will make him a better defender. There are times when he just needs to extend his frame and put his hands up to make a difference. Monroe’s defense didn’t cost Milwaukee though, and in fact if it wasn’t for his outstanding offense, they may not have finished within 50.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench