Milwaukee Bucks: Grades from 115-111 loss to Houston Rockets

B. Although moving DeAndre Liggins to the starting lineup wouldn’t have been my choice and still wasn’t the best option available to the Bucks, there was at least a discernible logic to that decision — pester James Harden relentlessly — that was never evident in Gary Payton II’s string of starts. <p>Of all of the ways the Bucks could have lost to the Rockets, this was certainly the most palatable as Milwaukee prevented Houston from catching fire from behind the three-point line.</p> <p>In truth, the Bucks’ overall downfall on the night was attributable to reckless fouling, something that was beyond the coach’s control and likely raised his blood pressure across the course of the game.</p> <p>Having failed to reward Sterling Brown’s positive contributions with increased run the night before, Kidd at least allowed the rookie to get some more playing time on this occasion, and the second round pick rewarded that show of faith.</p> <p>Still, with three consecutive losses, Kidd is now facing up to a crucial week. A loss to the Cavaliers to extend the losing streak to four games may be excusable, but if it extended into two pre-Christmas games with the struggling Hornets, it could have dire consequences for the Bucks’ season and Kidd’s own future.</p>. Head Coach. Milwaukee Bucks. JASON KIDD