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Game 3: Milwaukee Bucks 87 Toronto Raptors 106 Grades & Reactions

By Jeff Herrmann

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Nov 1, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) and guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) react to a foul called on Middleton by referee Nick Buchert(3) during the first half against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Reactions: The Good

  • Giannis Antetokounpo played a near flawless game Friday night against the Wizards, but was hampered by six turnovers and six fouls. Two nights later against the Raptors he didn’t only clean up that soft spot–he nearly erased it–committing just one foul and zero turnovers. He still scored at will (20 points), and cleaned up the glass (nine rebounds), but to do it without mistakes is impressive. He even dropped a pair of assists (could have had more if teammates didn’t miss bunnies, but i digress). Through two games he’s been everything fans could have hoped for.
  • Alongside his craftiness at the rim, one of Giannis’ biggest improvements from his rookie season is rebounding. He’s tallied nine in each of his first two contests this season, far surpassing his 6.7 per game average last season. The difference? Muscle. Watch as he arm-bars Bismack Biyombo while keeping a one handed rebound from DeMarre Carroll. Impressive work.
  • Greg Monroe needs work on defense. No surprises there. But what he brings to the offense is priceless. There’s a silky finesse to his game that separates him offensively from other centers in the league. A major part of his game relies on quickness. No one expects 6″11″, 265 lb. big man to move with agility. Monroe does. He scored 14 (5-7, 71.4%) against the Raptors, but no two points were more impressive than this pair. Watch him use that aforementioned quickness to rip away a loose ball from Kyle Lowry. Also, for your viewing pleasure, Johnny O’Bryant leveling Luis Scola. Fun times.
  • Eight team blocks is a nice number (Miles Plumlee had 4!), so is the low number of personal fouls (21). Through the first two game the Bucks committed 27 and 32 team fouls. By comparison 21 fouls is a trim total.
  • The Bucks hit all 24 of their free throws. No “you do the math” complaints in this one.

Next: Reactions: The Bad

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