Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 116-91 win over Brooklyn Nets

Bucks give up big lead in third quarter

Staked to a 23-point lead as the third quarter began, Bucks fans were looking forward to D.J. Wilson and Rashad Vaughn carrying the team through an extended edition of garbage time. While they eventually hit the floor — and Wilson hit a three — Milwaukee’s faithful had to suffer through a sad third quarter first.

Southeastern Wisconsin’s finest were outscored by 14 in the period. Their defense was lackadaisical, and their offense was stagnant. One can only wonder if the Bucks were feeling a little extra camaraderie after a rather odd week, and perhaps looking forward to the weekend in their hometown.

Whatever the reason, the Bucks let up, and the Nets managed to get back to their game plan in the third. All but three of Brooklyn’s shot attempts were near the rim, or from beyond the arc. They converted at a nice clip from deep in the period (4-of-9), and had their way in the paint (9-of-13).

The Bucks have been prone to giving up this dangerous type of shot selection all too often this season. The third quarter lapse into their bad habits did not sink Milwaukee on this particular occasion, but this team needs to hold big leads into the fourth in order to get rest for Giannis and Khris Middleton, who lead the league in minutes per game.

Speaking of Middleton, he had a pretty great game! In fact, the Bucks had a number of solid performances that deserve their share of the spotlight.