Milwaukee Bucks Grades From 104-96 Loss to Thunder

Milwaukee Bucks Grades and Reactions From 104-96 Loss To Oklahoma City Thunder

Mar 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Dion Waiters (3) and center Steven Adams (12) puts pressure on Milwaukee Bucks forward Jabari Parker (12) in the fourth quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. The Thunder beat the Bucks 104-96. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 25, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd (left) reacts during the second half of a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Kidd, D

When the Bucks reduced the Thunder lead to just two in the fourth quarter Kidd’s team had all the momentum in the world. The Thunder, being a top team, responded with a 9-2 run. That’s what good teams do. How did Kidd respond? By taking top scorer Jabari Parker out of the game and replacing him with O.J. Mayo. I realize that Parker played the entire third quarter, but to take Parker out of the game in that moment is a big head scratcher.

We’re seeing a pattern develop when the Bucks play top teams. That formula is to get whipped up in the first half and then accelerate late in the game when the dominant team lays off. That pattern has resulted in close games but in key moments we see the Bucks offense wilt. At some point Kidd has to take a timeout and draw up a play that works instead of weathering a 0-12 shooting drought.

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