Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Starters
Jerry Bayless
, C
7 Points | 3-5 FG | 0-0 FT | 1 REB | 3 AST | 1 STL | 0 BLK |
After scoring five of Milwaukee’s first seven points, Bayless effectively vanished into the background. He didn’t take a lot of shots which can’t be a complaint considering his past, but there wasn’t a lot else to make up for a low scoring showing. Bayless has become an important cog of this team. The Bucks need more than this.
, B-
13 Points| 6-10 FG | 0-0 FT | 0 REB | 0 AST | 3 STL | 0 BLK |
Efficient shooting, even if the Bucks could have done with him further asserting himself with greater volume on this occasion. His three steals were largely unsurprising considering he leads the league in that department since the All-Star break. No assists, no rebounds and no free throws is uncharacteristic. It’s been proven time and again that the Bucks rely upon Middleton’s contributions. All things considered that means the end result in this one shouldn’t have been a surprise.
, B
12 Points | 5-10 FG | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 7 AST | 2 STL | 2 BLK |
After another strong first half showing, Giannis didn’t have quite the same impact in the second half before Jason Kidd effectively threw the towel in, hauling his minutes back. Considering the load that has been on him of late, that’s probably not a bad thing in the bigger picture. Either way, Giannis continues to pose a triple-double threat, a matchup nightmare and represent the best of the Bucks future.
Jabari Parker, B
19 Points | 8-14 FG | 3-3 FT | 8 REB | 2 AST | 1 STL | 1 BLK
Another one of those games when Jabari’s points total just manages to creep up without anybody really noticing. That’s testament to a true scorer, and if the Bucks hadn’t had his offensive efforts on this occasion things might have gotten really ugly. Unfortunately, while saying that, ugly is the only word that could be used to describe Jabari on defense. When Joe Ingles got in rhythm from deep it was Parker who was to blame. Jabari ignored him over and over and over again. There’s a long period of development necessary for that part of his game to improve.
Greg Monroe
, C-
8 Points| 3-8 FG | 2-2 FT | 4 REB | 2 AST | 0 STL | 1 BLK |
His role has changed significantly, but a performance like this one can be best described as ineffectual, regardless of role. Monroe wanted no real part of Rudy Gobert, one of the league’s most imposing shot blockers and that’s concerning in its own right. Moose was brought in to offer an offensive post presence. If he can only truly come close to being that against centers who aren’t lockdown defensive specialists, well then it grows even more difficult to identify his strengths through the muddied waters.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks Grades: Bench