Game 4: Milwaukee Bucks 103 Brooklyn Nets 96 Grades & Reactions

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Michael Carter Williams, B-

6 Points | 2-3 FG | 2-4 FT | 2 REB | 5 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK |

On the surface this stat-line may not look quite as appealing as some of MCW’s others of late, but this is so much more desirable for Bucks fans on the whole. Carter-Williams isn’t needed for a high usage rate and a ton of shots, instead he just needs to work within his role. He did that in this game, deferring when needed. He even came up with the play that could change the course of Milwaukee, sprinting back down court after a sloppy team turnover to steal the ball away and regain momentum with only a couple of minutes remaining.

Jeryyd Bayless, A

26 Points | 8-15 FG | 4-7 FT | 3 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |

Is this a dream? Credit where credit is due, Jerryd Bayless shot the lights out in this one. As much as Bucks fans won’t be too excited at the prospect of Bayless regularly shooting long shots, in a game where he found himself playing as a two, that was his job and he did it exceptionally well. Bayless made 6-10 from deep, but even that wasn’t as impressive as the fact that he played 46:40 in the game. You’ve earned that rest day, Jerryd.

Khris Middleton, B-

17 Points| 6-12 FG | 3-4 FT | 5 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |

It was better for Middleton, but he’s still not looking quite like himself yet. After having a generally much improved shooting night, Middleton tried to ice the game late on like he did so often last season. It didn’t go to plan though, and after two straight possessions where the Bucks ended up scoreless due to quickfire Middleton threes, the team then reverted to Monroe down low. More efficient though, just needs to keep working his way into form.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, A

21 Points | 8-16 FG | 4-5 FT | 8 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 2 BLK |

So, this is a thing now. I guess we’re all going to have to get used to this new superstar Giannis. Consistency has so often been the youngster’s problem, yet having strung together three straight games of 20 points plus to start the season, that could be a problem of the past. This was perhaps the most controlled of his three performances so far. It wasn’t necessarily about show-stopping highlights or home run plays, Antetokounmpo just went out looking like the best player on the court and made everything look easy.

Greg Monroe, A

23 Points| 10-14 FG | 3-4 FT | 13 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |

This is what they brought him here for. Sure, we’ve already seen the potential pitfalls of his defense (although there were signs that he’s starting to understand what he has to do in that regard), but the Bucks can give it to him inside and trust him to put the ball in the hoop. That’s the option the Bucks didn’t have last season, that’s what allowed them to win this game as it tightened up late on.

Next: Grades: Bench