Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: January 22 vs Phoenix Suns
By Adam McGee
Major key for Milwaukee – Lean into the revenge game
Considering just how little Greg Monroe is playing — he’s only played three total minutes in Phoenix’s last seven games — if there’s to be a revenge-inspired performance in this game based on the trade between the teams earlier in the season, the responsibility will fall on Eric Bledsoe‘s shoulders.
Without Antetokounmpo, the Bucks need Bledsoe to have a big game. That much was evident in Saturday’s loss to the 76ers, where even a first career triple-double from Khris Middleton wasn’t enough to prevent a 22-point loss.
A major component of that loss was Bledsoe’s poor play, as he scored 14 points on a very inefficient 5-of-18 from the field, while only managing three assists that were counteracted by three turnovers.
In his last five games, Bledsoe is averaging just 34.6 percent from the field and 25 percent from deep, as his already shaky shooting has regressed significantly.
Milwaukee desperately needs him to regain his form, and perhaps the motivation of facing his old team could be just the catalyst Bledsoe needs.