Milwaukee Bucks: Grades from 128-125 loss to Denver Nuggets

D+. The Milwaukee Bucks left the Pepsi Center with a loss. With 4.9 seconds left, it looked assured that they would leave the building with a victory. Jamal Murray had other plans when he jumped Khris Middleton’s pass. <p>Can we rightfully place blame on Prunty’s shoulders for Khris Middleton’s pass? Probably not. Nor can we let Prunty take the blame for Jason Terry fouling Jamal Murray on his attempt that allowed Murray to tie the game with free throws. What we can question is Prunty’s decision making in regards to lineups (again.) Lineups featuring any combination of Brandon Jennings, Jabari Parker, and Jason Terry continue to be sieve-ish. The Bucks are repeatedly surrendering huge runs to their opponents during these minutes.</p> <p>With the injuries this roster is suffering from, hands are sure to be a bit tied. They’re going to <em>have </em>to share the floor at some point, but the timing of when, and for how long certainly can be adjusted.</p> <p>In addition to that, The Bucks players were visibly frustrated all night with the rough whistle they received from the referees tonight. Eric Bledsoe, and Giannis Antetokounmpo both received technical fouls. Joe Prunty to his credit, usually gets on the referees for his players to argue calls, but Sunday might have been the night for him to go nuclear. Just some more pressing from Prunty could have saved the team from one of the techs, but obviously that’s no guarantee.</p> <p>This game did have positives as Jabari Parker was given an opportunity to control the game offensively and lead the Bucks. Milwaukee also was able to put a putrid second quarter behind them, and rebound with a strong third quarter. It’s hard to keep that in perspective when the fourth quarter and overtime went so poorly, though.</p>. Head Coach. Milwaukee Bucks. JOE PRUNTY