Game 1: Milwaukee Bucks 97 New York Knicks 122 Grades & Reactions
By Adam McGee
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench
Greivis Vasquez, B+
15 Points| 3-9 FG | 8-8 FT | 7 REB | 5 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
The Venezuelan was a much needed spark for the Bucks, the problem was that in comparison with his 15 points, the rest of the bench only combined for 17 of their own. Vasquez made some shots as we all knew he was capable of doing, but it was his intelligence to knuckle down, drive and get to the line when the Bucks desperately needed points that really stood out. Seven boards and five assists in under half an hour of play is nothing to turn your nose up at either.
Johnny O’Bryant, D
0 Points | 0-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Outside of Vasquez, no bench player played more minutes than Johnny O’Bryant. How did O’Bryant take his opportunity? By posting three rebounds and one field goal attempt in 17 minutes. At this point it’s clear that O’Bryant is a bit of a Kidd favorite who will always find some minutes in the rotation. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing, but JOB needs to at least show some activity.
Rashad Vaughn, B+
10 Points | 4-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 2 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
Pre-season was no fluke. The rookie guard continued to show his ability, along with a surprising level of maturity as he provided instant offense off the bench. Many had argued for him to start prior to the game, and his performance verified that in all likelihood the team would have had a better shape with him Bayless’ place. 10 points on efficient shooting in 12 minutes of play. Whisper it, but that’s the sort of contribution if he can maintain that will get him in Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie First Team contention.
Damien Inglis, C+
3 Points | 1-2 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Inglis was full of energy when he got on the court, and put in a lot of good work that doesn’t even show up in the box score too. The rookie’s defense stood out, and on two occasions he managed to stall two-on-one fastbreaks until he had help back with him. His three-point make should give him confidence in that part of his game too. A promising start.
John Henson, C-
4 Points | 2-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
This was not the ultra-productive Henson that we saw throughout the pre-season, but then again, he wasn’t exactly given the opportunity. Kidd’s decision to only give Henson 10 minutes was particularly strange considering the team’s struggles boxing out defensively at times, and the ease with which New York were getting to the rim. Deserves more minutes, and there’s little reason why he shouldn’t get them.
Miles Plumlee, B+
0 Points| 0-1 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 0 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Plumlee is very much the back of the rotation guy. If you can’t crack five minutes on a night where Mayo, Antetokounmpo and Parker are all out injured and the coach is giving everyone some run, you’re unlikely to see much playing time throughout the season.
Next: Jason Kidd