Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
O.J. Mayo, B+
18 Points| 6-13 FG | 2-2 FT | 2 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
He ignited the Bucks in the first half with his three point shooting. Twelve of his fourteen first half points came from behind the arc as he punished the Warriors for leaving him open. Mayo in the PG role works to the Bucks advantage as it gives them two three point threats in the starting unit–allowing for better spacing and, of course, more threes!
Khris Middleton, D
7 Points | 3-12 FG | 0-0 FT | 5 REB | 5 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK |
He was money against the Raptors Friday night. He was minuscule against the Warriors Saturday. Part of the problem is the way that the Bucks are using him. Like forcing that baseline iso play where he backs down his defender before lifting for a clunker. That’s not his game. Give him the ball coming off screens instead and watch the points pile up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, A
11 Points | 4-10 FG | 2-3 FT | 12 REB | 10 AST | 1 STL | 2 BLK |
John McGlocklin slipped a Magic Johnson reference when describing one of Giannis’ transition assists. In fact, he added an involuntary “Oh WOW” while doing it. He was right to do so. Giannis was remarkable Saturday night, and thanks to some lineup configurations was called on to lead the bench unit for long stretches. He was a stabilizing presence on both sides of the ball and in doing so, compiled the necessary stats to become the youngest Bucks player EVER to have a triple-double. (He did it in front of a national NBA TV audience, too.)
Jabari Parker, A
19 Points | 9-14 FG | 1-3 FT | 7 REB | 1 AST | 2 STL | 0 BLK |
His best game of the season, perhaps even of his career. This is Jabari Parker as we imagined him two summers ago: cool near the basket, explosive off the dribble, and deadly from mid-range. His court awareness and explosiveness are great assets, but that polished mid-range jumper (3-5 from outside the paint) is what will make him a star.
Greg Monroe, A+
29 Points| 11-16 FG | 6-7 FT | 11 REB | 5 AST | 0 STL | 0 BLK |
Dominant. That’s exactly what the Bucks had in mind when they brought in Monroe. The Bucks went to him time and time again in the fourth quarter with the game on the line and he delivered over and over. His eleven fourth quarter points helped ice the game for the Bucks. Neither Draymond Green or Andrew Bogut were able to handle Moose. He was unstoppable.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench