Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways From Win Over Portland Trail Blazers
By Adam McGee
Teletovic Comes To Life
When the fourth quarter started Mirza Teletovic was 0-5 on the night. The first three quarters held similarities to some of the Bosnian’s other notable struggles during his first season as a Buck, but there was one important difference.
Teletovic was doing more than just taking (and missing) shots. As was a common theme for the Bucks on this occasion, he was showing energy.
Teletovic had four rebounds through his limited minutes in the first three quarters. He was running at full speed to help draw defenders and create space when the Bucks looked to push out in transition. He was applying himself on defense.
Very simply, it looked like Teletovic cared. Unlike at previous points in the season, even with his shot off, he was giving Kidd a reason to go back to him later in the game. Sure enough, that allowed the law of averages to kick in.
When Kidd started the fourth quarter with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton on the bench, things could have crumbled in a hurry. Let’s be honest, that was not a wise move. Luckily for Kidd and the Bucks, Teletovic was able to step up and keep Milwaukee afloat.
Teletovic went 3-3 from the field in the fourth quarter, including two triples, and he even drew an all-important charge on Jusuf Nurkic late on by showing a willingness to put his body on the line.
At this point in the season every game really matters to the Bucks, and if Teletovic can continue to prove how much it matters to him, he’ll get greater opportunities to show he can make positive contributions.