Milwaukee Bucks Grades, Reactions From 120-116 Win Over Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
, B-
11 Points | 4-9 FG | 3-6 FT | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 3 BLK |
He was unspectacular, and that’s ok. The Bucks don’t want (or need) him to be their superstar. They just need him to distribute the ball, gather in rebounds, and score in the paint in crucial moments. His awful turnover with 2:03 left could have sunk the Bucks. He’s been OK with the turnovers lately, but that one was truly ugly.
Khris Middleton, A+
33 Points| 12-18 FG | 5-6 FT | 5 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL | 1 BLK |
Hottest player in the NBA right now. He followed his career-high 36 point performance in OKC with what would have been a career high 33 points in Indianapolis one game later. With his jumper flowing like it is, the chit-chat about the decision to sign him over Brandon Knight has completely withered into the background. Well played.
, B
14 Points | 4-11 FG | 6-10 FT | 6 REB | 0 AST | 3 STL | 4 BLK |
Giannis once again showed why he doesn’t necessarily have to score to be an elite NBA player. The kid simply fills up a stat sheet. His four blocks and three steals is evidence of that. He still tends to fade at varying points of a game, but if he can learn to bottle up the energy he brought in the first quarter he could become a perennial All-Star.
, A-
14 Points | 7-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 3 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
His defense has been under the microscope lately, and for good reason–he’s been terrible defensively. Against the Pacers he showed signs of life. He closed on opponents, played hands-up, and was able to do so without picking up many fouls (2). Offensively he mixed in rim attacks with mid-range jumpers en route to 14 points. Nice to see you again, Jabari.
Greg Monroe, A+
23 Points| 10-12 FG | 3-4 FT | 3 REB | 0 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |
The Bucks brought Monroe in to be a consistent low-post threat. One game after a dismal performance in OKC, Monroe showed why he was worth the max salary. There was nothing the Pacers could do to stop him. When he bullies opponents with the physical disregard he demonstrated Thursday night, he’s one of the league’s best centers.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench