Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions to 99-92 Win Over the Washington Wizards
By Adam McGee
Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
O.J. Mayo
, D
2 Points | 1-4 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 1 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK |
Things have certainly looked better for the Bucks behind coach Kidd’s recent lineup changes, but it would be hard to place any of that credit at the feet of Mayo. You can speak about intangibles all you want, but Mayo has spent almost all of his last two games as a starter in foul trouble, and that was compounded by three turnovers in just 19 minutes in this one.
Khris Middleton
, A+
27 Points| 9-17 FG | 8-9 FT | 6 REB | 9 AST | 5 STL | 0 BLK |
If this is a season about development, Middleton is the undoubted success story. His ability to handle the ball and control a game has been a revelation. Prior to the season we all knew that he was capable of deciding games with a big shot, but I’m not sure anyone could have guessed his effectiveness as a playmaker when the game’s on the line. Tonight was yet another example.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
, B+
17 Points | 6-16 FG | 4-5 FT | 13 REB | 3 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
This was far from his best performance, but he grew in influence as the game went on. It’s hard to argue with a finishing line of 17 points and 13 boards. Giannis did much of his best work when he was given the freedom to really assert his influence. If there’s any benefit to Mayo’s mediocrity as a point guard it’s the opportunities it creates for those around him to seize control.
Jabari Parker
, A
17 Points | 7-11 FG | 3-6 FT | 9 REB | 4 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
Remember when instead of harshly judging Parker everybody emphasized a return to health as top priority? Well, Jabari played 40 minutes on Thursday and looked very much the player everybody initially hoped he’d be. He’s thrived with Greg Monroe off the floor in the last two and the greater space that provides him inside. Him and Plumlee had a nice synergy together which resulted in a number of flash Parker passes, while when left to their own devices, Jabari and Giannis found a groove too. Finding the best way for him to develop needs to remain toward the top of Milwaukee’s priority list.
, B
4 Points| 2-2 FG | 0-1 FT | 6 REB | 1 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
Played just under 15 minutes, and was arguably deserving of more. He’s not going to get in the way of the younger players looking to drive to the rim, and he’s generally solid defensively (although Marcin Gortat gave him all sorts of trouble early on). His inter play with Jabari was fun to watch, and who knows, maybe the two Duke men have a nice chemistry that can pay off on the court.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench