Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks 113 Washington Wizards 118 Grades & Reactions

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Michael Carter Williams, B

13 Points | 6-12 FG | 0-0 FT | 6 REB | 11 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK |

So long as MCW plays within himself he can be a very effective player. We saw the young guard at his effective best (at times), but still hindered by occasional poor decision making. I have no quibbles with an 11/3 assist-to-turnover ratio, but the turnovers that MCW does commit tend to be of the egregious variety. Nevertheless, he attacked the rim with poise and hit a few jumpers.

Khris Middleton, B-

18 Points| 6-14 FG | 5-6 FT | 3 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

Middleton played a passive style of basketball for most of the game. Sure he hit a handful of open shots when given the opportunity, but he never asserted himself as the go-to guy within the offense which is, perhaps, an unfair expectation of the swingman. The Bucks needed someone to step up and make a big shot late in the game. Middleton eventually delivered on a four point play, but not before it was too late.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, A

27 Points | 9-15 FG | 8-10 FT | 9 REB | 2 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK |

Electric. Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. What I really liked about his performance was his body control when attacking the rim. He’s  improved from last year’s bullet bill approach to driving the lane. No longer does he rely on just his size and speed to get to the rim, but rather a keen ability to stop on a dime, pump fake if necessary, and finish. There’s literally no defending that because he can always, you know, run right past you if you give up ground. His 6 turnovers keep him from an A+ grade.

Johnny O’Bryant, C+

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

We have a JOB sighting! The second year big man earned the start likely for his lane-clogging defensive presence as opposed to the slinky Chris Copeland. He made the most of the opportunity. He hit some jumpers, snagged an offensive rebound and even came up with a steal. What I liked most about his game was his ability to deliver an accurate extra pass.

Greg Monroe, A-

22 Points| 10-14 FG | 2-3 FT | 5 REB | 3 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |

My goodness is he smooth for a big man. Late in the fourth quarter, with the Bucks in desparate need of points, “Moose” took the ball at the top of the key with the shot clock expiring. He performed a wonderfully executed spin move freeing him for the open layup. Naturally he was all grins after the play. Monroe gives the Bucks, as expected, a dominant low post presence. So far so good.

Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench