Milwaukee Bucks: Five Takeaways From The Dallas Mavericks Game

Oct 8, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd talks with Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) during the game with the Dallas Mavericks at the Kohl Center. Milwaukee defeated Dallas 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Madison, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Jason Kidd talks with Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) during the game with the Dallas Mavericks at the Kohl Center. Milwaukee defeated Dallas 88-74. Mandatory Credit: Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 6
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Jabari Parker Had Himself A Game

Rick Carlisle told the Dallas News that the Bucks were young, fast and ready to explode:

"“They’re the anti-Dallas. They’re young and fast. We’re old and experienced. It’s contrasting rosters. It’s a good game for us to play right now. They’re a young team that’s getting ready to explode, I think.”"

Carlisle was right. Jabari Parker especially was young and fast, and he exploded through the Mavericks defense repeatedly in Madison. It took Jabari just 14 shots and 24 minutes to rack up 21 points, many of them coming on massive dunks.

These weren’t open, fast break looks either. Over and over again, Jabari simply powered through whatever defense stood foolishly in his way. At one point he actually dunked so hard he hit himself in the head with the rim.

Ouch. I can’t say that I’ve ever seen somebody dunk so forcefully and also get high enough to pull the rim into their head. The athleticism Jabari has is legitimately incredible–he’s clearly 100 percent back from that ACL tear at this point.

Jabari also added a less-painful six rebounds, one steal and one block while leading the Bucks in plus/minus with a resounding plus 17. Jabari should be poised to have a huge breakout season with the Bucks this year, as long as he can keep that swelling down.