Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reactions From 120-116 Win Over Indiana Pacers
Fueled by Khris Middleton‘s second straight 30 point game, the Milwaukee Bucks won their third straight New Year’s Eve game–this time over the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks used white-hot shooting (45-77, 58.4%) to win their fourth road game of the season.
For much of the game the Bucks dictated the tempo–getting out in transition and dominating the Pacers for much of the night.
That is, until a Khris Middleton turnover, foul, and technical foul on Paul George swung the momentum late in the fourth quarter as the Pacers reduced the Buck’s lead from 111-97 to to 117-114 in the span of just a couple minutes.
But after a pair of desperation three point heaves from the Pacers missed, the Bucks needed to make just a few free throws to secure the road victory.
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With the win the Bucks showed a keen aptitude for fast-break basketball–a trait that has been bubbling under the radar but came to the forefront in Oklahoma City.
Leading the charge was Khris Middleton, who’s 33 points on 12-18 shooting capped a Buck’s attack that saw 23 points from Greg Monroe and double digit scoring from each Buck’s starter.
The Buck’s performance raises into question the Buck’s offensive strategy for most of the season. Instead of a slow-paced, methodical approach the Bucks have pushed the tempo lately, amounting to a 122 scoring average over the last two games.
Perhaps the Bucks have found their major key to success with the up-tempo offense. The young personnel of this Bucks team naturally suggests a run and gun approach.
It will be interesting to see if this team adopts the running approach long-term in pursuit of NBA respectability.
For now we will take a closer look at this victory, offering positive and negative reactions as well as Milwaukee Bucks grades.
Next: Reactions: The Good