Nov 6, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) and Milwaukee Bucks small forward Khris Middleton (22) chase a loose ball during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Bucks defeated the Knicks 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Reactions: The Bad
- Midway through the fourth quarter the Bucks held a 13 point lead. The Knicks (and their fragile psyches) needed to be pushed just a little harder before folding. But instead of turning the lights out early the Bucks allowed the Knicks to go on a 12-2 run. While the Bucks never surrendered the lead (it was tied a few times), they missed a golden opportunity to rest starters in anticipation for tomorrow night’s tilt. Close games are a fickle thing in the NBA. What if Carmelo Anthony got hot late? What if Porzingus hit one of his fourth quarter three point attempts? Having suffered a fourth quarter three point barrage from the Wizards the Bucks know first hand how quickly NBA games can turn. You need to remind bad teams that they’re bad, early and often.
- The Bucks need answers in the paint. They struggled with the length of Nerlens Noel Wednesday night and did an equally poor job against Kristaps Porzingus Friday night. In addition to chipping in 14 points, Porzingus led all players with a game-high 13 rebounds, with 9 coming off the offensive glass. When you don’t play physical on the glass this happens…
- The Bucks are 19th in the league in three point makes per game with 7.6. Take out Bayless’ ridiculous game in Brooklyn and they’re easily a bottom third three point shooting team. Against the Knicks the Bucks were only able to hit 3-14 attempts from behind the arc. Fortunately the Knicks were equally inept from deep shooting a meager 4-24 on threes.
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