Milwaukee Bucks Best and Worst: December 15 – 23

Best: Prime-Time Players

Aside from the prospect of handing their rivals a loss in their first matchup of the season, last Thursday’s tilt against the Chicago Bulls was extra-special for the Bucks.

The game was being broadcast nationally as part of TNT’s regular Thursday night slate, and given how rare an occurrence this was for Milwaukee, it was important that the franchise put their collective best foot forward to those watching them at home for the first time.

Much to the delight of Bucks’ die-hards, the team did just that, dominating Chicago from start to finish in a 108-97 blowout that was not nearly as close as the score would indicate.

Obviously the win was the main goal, but along with their performance the Bucks surely gained some attention and clout around league circles. This should come as a huge relief to those of us who have been extolling the young Bucks outside of the Milwaukee area.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker have the type of thrilling, high-flying playstyles that entice viewers to watch regardless of their market, and once the rest of the roster catches up in terms of team success, Milwaukee just might be home to one of the most exciting teams in the NBA.

Even though the Bucks play only twice more on national TV this season (the next being a January 6 bout with the New York Knicks), it’s safe to say that we will be seeing much more of Giannis and Jabari in a national setting going forward.