Reactions: The Bad
- The Bucks gave up three three-pointers to the Pacers to start the third quarter. Threes are wild, it seems. The Bucks scored just two points during the span, allowing the Pacers to take their first lead since early in the first quarter. Fortunately, the Bucks were able to stabilize and counter punch with a 16-6 run. The Bucks are a streaky team–there’s no doubt about that. But in order for them to compete consistently with the NBA’s best they can’t start (and end) quarters slowly.
- Paul George reached the free throw line eleven times. He made ten. After putting Kevin Durant on the line thirteen times Tuesday night, the Buck’s continued excess of fouls on opposing team’s best players is disconcerting.
- Johnny O’Bryant, a favorite son of Bucks fans, never entered the game. Accordingly, the Bucks recorded just six offensive rebounds.
- It’s time to address the evaporation of all things quality at the end of the game. The Bucks held a 115-102 lead with just 3:42 remaining. But a flurry of turnovers (including an eight second violation) allowed the Pacers to go on a 10-0 run, making things really interesting. It’s great that the Bucks were able to close the game out. But giving the Pacers life when they were dead to rights is inexcusable. The Bucks, young as they are, need to learn to close out games. That experience is the biggest hurdle between where they are and where they want to be.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters