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

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Michael Carter Williams, C

12 Points | 3-10 FG | 4-4 FT | 5 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |

When he plays within his limitations he’s a very effective player. His scintillating slashing ability is unparalleled on the team. Why then, with abilities like his, does he take five three-pointers? He made two of them, sure, but air-balled a pair of others and drew just glass on another. There’s also the stretches of poor ball security (4 TO), this time helping the Raptors close the door in the fourth quarter on the Bucks.

Khris Middleton, D

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

Remember last season when Middleton started the season as a reserve? Remember when he earned a DNP-CD against the Pistons? Remember when he closed the season as the Bucks go-to scoring threat? My point is that we know he’s a good player and that he started last year slowly, too.  Once he finds his stroke there will be no questions about his performance. But right now a few question marks should be expected.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, A

20 Points | 8-12 FG | 3-3 FT | 9 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |

There’s no questioning that he’s the Bucks best player right now. He’s scoring at will and showing the game-breaking potential that he’s hinted at during his first two seasons. His decision making and shot selection are both improved over last season, as is his three-point shooting ability. There’s still a little hesitation when he’s given an open look, but instead of holding the ball like he did last year he’s letting it rip. His only attempt from three was a clean swish.

Johnny O’Bryant, C-

2 Points | 1-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

He missed a few easy looks in the paint, but otherwise was effective at his role–taking up space. At this point in his career he’s not best suited in the starting lineup. He plays with energy though and looks much quicker than he did last season. But he’s offensively limited and not a great defender. This is a bench player out of his element.

Greg Monroe, B

14 Points| 5-7 FG | 4-4 FT | 6 REB | 5 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK |

If I were grading his offensive performance alone he would run away with an easy “A”. However, his defensive deficiencies can’t be ignored. Jonas Valanciunas scored 19 points (7-12) mostly on Monroe. There’s no shame in giving up points to a big man like Valanciunas, but Monroe isn’t an imposing rim presence, either. He was burned all night when needed in help defense. He can score, yeah, but he needs to learn the defensive scheme sooner rather than later.

Next: Grades: Bench