Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Loss To Denver Nuggets
By Adam McGee
Thon Gets Pumped Up
There would have been many disappointed Bucks fans when they heard the news of yet another lineup change at the center spot. Even in some of the horrid outings of late, the play of Thon Maker has represented some kind of light at the end of the tunnel.
There may have been even more unrest at halftime, when in spite of the coach’s assurances that his rookie big man would continue to get minutes, he had yet to check into the game.
Kidd said Maker still will play off bench. "He's a rookie. His energy has been very high."
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) February 3, 2017
After a particularly lackluster second quarter, Maker did emerge to start the second half and again he brought the kind of energy that it’s become clear he can be consistently relied upon for.
Unsurprisingly, Maker struggled when it came to containing the considerably stronger Nikola Jokic, but he still managed to influence the game with a tipped pass and a strip of a Nuggets wing just under the basket.
Offensively, Thon continued to prove he’s a deadeye from distance. Maker knocked down his only field goal attempts, both coming from three-point range, meaning he’s now been successful on 11-18 triple attempts on the season.
In total, the 19-year-old would only play four minutes before he had to be subbed out of the game, due to three fouls picked up in that time. Maker is proving his defensive instincts and shooting merit minutes on the court, he just needs to cut down on the foul count to make that possible.
Aside from any of his more tangible contributions, Maker set the tone for his team again with his attitude and energy. He played with an intensity and determination, with a steely look that was accompanied by more animated reactions than we’ve seen to date from him. Even on the bench he was the first to rise to his feet and encourage those around him, and at present, the Bucks need as much as that as they can get.
Next: Milwaukee Bucks: Grades And Reactions For Miles Plumlee Trade
There’s no rest for the Bucks as they return to action on Saturday night on the road in Phoenix. Milwaukee will look to put an end to their current losing streak starting at 8pm Central.