Game 5: Milwaukee Bucks 91 Philadelphia 76ers 87 Grades & Reactions

Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters

Jeryyd Bayless, B-

5 Points | 2-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |

With MCW out due to an ankle injury Bayless got the start. While he didn’t set the three point line on fire like he did in Brooklyn he did provide 30 serviceable minutes. He missed a couple of open shots, but didn’t continually force the issue offensively. Instead he elected to manage the game rather than control it which led to good things for the Bucks first-string offense.

Khris Middleton, B

21 Points| 7-20 FG | 4-4 FT | 3 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |

Drilled the “dagger” three point shot in the final minute that seemed to ice the game for the Bucks. He also took a crunch time give-and-go from Monroe for the easy dunk and the next time down the court found the big man out of the double team. His field goal percentage isn’t quite up to par yet, but he showed (again) why he’s one of the Bucks best late game options.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, B+

17 Points | 7-11 FG | 2-3 FT | 5 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |

I would be comfortable with an offense that forces Giannis to take 20+ shots per game. Why not? He’s doing everything. He hit a casual pull-up jumper, an open three, took a steal coast-to-coast for the and-one layup, and sprinkled in his usual array of awkward layups and finger rolls. He led the Bucks with three turnovers, which hurts his grade, but did everything else with the usual aplomb.

Jabari Parker, A

2 Points | 1-6 FG | 0-0 FT | 4 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |

He’s back. That alone is worth the high mark. For a guy who hasn’t played in nearly a year he looked reasonably rusty. His shots were flat and he looked tentative to engage in explosive plays. I.E., slashing to the rim and making cuts without the ball. That will come back when he regains confidence in his knee. For now it’s just really, really nice to see him back in a Bucks uniform.

Greg Monroe, A

18 Points| 7-14 FG | 4-5 FT | 8 REB | 4 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK |

Right now he’s the Bucks go-to scoring threat. That’s as it should be–he can create good looks for himself regardless of court position and is already the Buck’s safety net with an expiring shot clock. He’s fully integrated himself into the offense. Any good possession goes through Monroe. He will either score it himself (on an iso), or find an open teammate. Simple. Middleton’s late dunk was a prime example of Monroe’s scoring, and sharing, ability.

Next: Grades: Bench