Milwaukee Bucks: Grades from 92-89 loss to Indiana Pacers

Interim Head Coach. Milwaukee Bucks. JOE PRUNTY. B-. As has been mentioned in this column multiple times of late, the Bucks’ slow spells in games, particularly at the start of the first and third quarters, are not just on the players’ shoulders. I have no doubt that Joe Prunty and his staff are constantly stressing the importance of focusing from the opening tip until the final buzzer, but the problems are continuing and they’ve cost the Bucks a host of games since the All-Star break alone. <p>Jason Terry’s positive impact on the game made Prunty lean into giving him extended run late in the game, and combined with the small ball lineup he employed with Giannis at the 5, it’s hard to argue against how the Bucks played in their final few minutes. Prunty could have used the late breaks in game to switch between defensive and offensive lineups, but he ultimately stuck with a more offensive group and the Bucks’ defense certainly wasn’t the cause of the loss.</p> <p>While a three-pointer for Giannis wasn’t the ideal shot to close out the game, he got a wide open look. Antetokounmpo’s instincts in the clutch arguably make him just as likely of knocking down such a shot. Could the Bucks have drawn up a better play for a better look? Sure. Would it have significantly changed the likelihood of a game-tying three falling? It doesn’t seem very likely.</p>