Milwaukee Bucks 2016-17 Season Review: Spencer Hawes

Game of the Year

Hawes played over 10 minutes just seven times in a Bucks uniform, but there are at least a couple games that stand out as moments in which he made his presence felt.

However, it was on Mar. 4 against the Toronto Raptors, in just his second game with the team, that Hawes would leave his mark on the Bucks’ season. The game before, Hawes had played just two minutes of garbage time in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers and was still a complete unknown to Bucks fans.

However, with Teletovic playing eight minutes and Henson receiving a DNP-CD, there opened up ample time for Hawes to get some run.

Featuring under-the-basket dump-offs, pick-and-pop threes, and the occasional slip in the screen-and-roll, this was the quintessential Hawes game in all its versatile, quirky glory.

This was a crucial win for the Bucks as they were clawing their way back into the playoff picture, and it can honestly be said that Hawes may have driven them to a win.

Over the second quarter, Hawes played all 12 minutes, scoring 14 of his 16 points as the Bucks went on a 41-23 tear. These points came on perfect 5-5 shooting, with two three-pointers and five rebounds to boot.

Given that the Bucks would end up winning the game by just seven points, Hawes’ role in shifting the power dynamic more than likely won the game for his then-new team.