Milwaukee Bucks: Grades from 94-87 win over San Antonio Spurs

The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a four game losing streak on Friday night as they took down the San Antonio Spurs. How did the players grade individually?

After Jason Kidd‘s comments and subsequent fine during the week, many Milwaukee Bucks fans were hoping for a sizable turnaround in terms of officiating calls to increase their chances of a win on Friday. In fact, it was a huge night for Jason Kidd’s “swarming” defense that allowed Milwaukee to keep the Spurs to 87 points and come away with a much needed victory, though.

Another huge talking point of this game was the insertion of point guard Eric Bledsoe into the starting lineup as he made his debut for Milwaukee. Many had thought Bledsoe may have started off the bench, however Kidd confirmed pre game that he would in fact be starting the high flying guard over Malcolm Brogdon.

In hindsight, this was a masterstroke as it allowed Bledsoe to quickly develop chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the two combined several times throughout the night. Just as notably however, the change allowed Brogdon more time with the second unit as he rattled off some crucial points to halt the late surge by San Antonio in this game.

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As for the Spurs, they continue to sorely miss Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker. San Antonio managed to stay with the Bucks for the first two-and-half quarters before Milwaukee blew the game open, largely thanks to the brilliance of Antetokounmpo. At one stage during the third quarter, Milwaukee led by as many as 14 and looked close to home and dry as they gave Antetokounmpo and Bledsoe some well-deserved rest.

But as all Greg Popovich teams do, the Spurs rallied back behind a season high 18 points from veteran Manu Ginobili as they brought it back to within two in the final period. With key baskets from both Bledsoe and Khris Middleton down the stretch, Milwaukee managed to close this game out 94-87 and with it, end a four game losing streak.

Although not a flawless game by any stretch, this is perhaps the best Milwaukee has looked on defense all year as they forced San Antonio to commit 18 turnovers.

To dive a little bit deeper into Friday’s action, let’s take a closer look at how the Bucks performed individually, grade Jason Kidd and the Spurs’ performances, and more.