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Reactions: The Good
- The great part of having a âbig threeâ is that thereâs a very low chance all three pieces will be off their game on a given night. So while Giannis and Jabari struggled with their shooting (10-25 combined) and turnovers (11), Middleton was there to pick up the slack. He quietly threatened for a triple-double scoring 19 points on 9-16, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Heâs had meandering efficiency with his jumper lately, but proved that heâs always deadly with a fourth quarter step back jumper over Anthony Davis.
- The Bucks had a great opportunity to blow the game wide open in the second quarter with superb play from Tyler Ennis. During a 5:38 stretch he scored eight points on 3-5 shooting with one three-pointer and a three-point play. The Bucks eventually surrendered the lead Ennis helped them build, but this performance marks the second straight game that Ennis has come in and made an impact. An interesting development to say the least.
- The Bucks are no longer known for any defensive acumen, but they were opportunistic and lengthy against the Pelicans coming up with 11 steals and six blocks. Hereâs the three top blocks of the night. FACT: Plumlee rejected DavisâŠtwice.
- I would be remiss not to acknowledge the steady play of Jerryd Bayless. Actually, scrap that, Iâd be remiss not to acknowledge his steady jumper. Bayless was 3-7 from behind the arc including a vital fourth quarter three to give the Bucks a seven point lead. He scored seven points in the period and has proved to be a reliable late-game option. Re-signing him should be a TOP priority this off-season. Hint: it will be for much more than the three million heâs earning this year, but thatâs money well spent.
Next: Reactions: The Bad