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Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reaction From 105-102 2OT Victory Over Cleveland Cavaliers

By Jeff Herrmann

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Nov 14, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) saves the ball from going out of bounds during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Reactions: The Good

  • Where to start? There’s certainly no shortage of options. Perhaps the dominant play of Greg Monroe? His seventeen rebounds (six offensive) were vital. Or maybe MCW returning from injury? Aside from a “NEVER AGAIN DO YOU HEAR ME?” turnover late in the fourth quarter, he was excellent. Then there’s always Giannis. His defense on LeBron James all night was inspiring. But how about this–for the first time ever we saw the Bucks ideal starting five play together. This goes out to Michael Carter-Williams, Khris Middleton, Giannins Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, and Greg Monroe. May they share countless minutes and victories together. 1-0 so far.
  • Jeryyd Bayless has been Mr. Everything coming off the bench so far this season. The volatile point guard was back at it Saturday night, scoring 17 points and hitting a trio of three pointers. He’s always played with a chip on his shoulder. LeBron James learned all about that when Bayless, despite giving up five inches, held LeBron scoreless in the final 3:15 of 2OT. Yes, you read that right. Scoreless.
  • I knew it. You knew it. And now the Cavs know it…Jabari Parker is back. He scored a season-high 12 points on 5-10 shooting in 30 minutes of action. Obviously all that “we’re going to limit Jabari” talk faded when the chips were down. No matter. The Bucks needed him. Not just for his offense (which gives the Bucks another dynamic threat), but for his defense. His man, Kevin Love, was held scoreless in the first overtime session. But enough about that. How about a couple of face-melting jams from the young Buck. Clearly the knee is just fine.
  • The Buck’s defense is coming along. Saturday night they held the almighty Cavaliers to just 40.7% shooting, and 38 points in the paint. Heading into the game interior defense was pegged as one of the Buck’s most glaring weaknesses. And it still may be. But against the Cavaliers that weakness was turned into a strength. The Bucks allowed some easy buckets, sure. But they also gave hell to any Cavaliers player bold enough to attack the paint, often leading to turnovers (Cleveland has 20 to the Buck’s 12) and tough shots.
  •  Anyone who questions Greg Monroe’s heart needs to watch this vine. Feast your eyes. 100% maximum effort.
  • Mandatory Giannis vine: violent put-back dunk.

Next: Reactions: The Bad

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