Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reactions From 129-118 Loss To Sacramento Kings
Nov 25, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard
Michael Carter-Williams(5) chases the loose ball in front of Sacramento Kings center
Kosta Koufos(41) during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks forgot how to defend on Wednesday night and the Sacramento Kings took advantage of that.
Jason Kidd had the best defensive play for the Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday night–a clean strip of referee Zach Zarba. Kidd was immediately ejected to thunderous applause from the Bradley Center crowd.
Whether the fans were applauding the demonstration of passion, venting frustration, or praising rare defensive prowess remains unclear.
Either way the Bucks missed a golden opportunity to close in on .500–facing a weak Sacramento Kings team at home without DeMarcus Cousins.
The Bucks allowed 57.1 percent shooting and a season-high 36 points to Rudy Gay, while sending the Kings to the free throw line 37 times.
The Bucks were able to produce some offense of their own–led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton‘s team-high 21 points.
But it wasn’t enough to keep pace with the smoldering Kings.
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Every time the Bucks got close the Kings had an answer. Perhaps that led to Jason Kidd’s emotional outburst.
Take this late fourth quarter sequence for example.
The Bucks whittled a twelve point deficit to just six with slightly over three minutes remaining. Hope abounded. You really felt that despite their defensive flaws they would be able to steal this one.
But Rudy Gay was fouled on step-back three pointer and increased the King’s advantage to ten.
Just like that the game was over.
On one hand you can casually say that’s the nature of the game. When a team shoots that well you just have to tip your hat to them.
On the other hand there’s real concern about why the Kings were allowed to shoot at such a high clip.
We will review all the things the Bucks did poorly in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions.
Next: Reactions: The Good