Integrating Marvin
In spite of Milwaukee’s complete control in the game, Mike Budenholzer took what was the rather unusual decision for him of leaving Giannis and Khris Middleton in for a few minutes longer than usual in the fourth quarter.
The thinking behind that decision seemed to be laid bare by a play call designed by Coach Bud during that spell, a move that was highlighted by Jim Paschke and Marques Johnson on the Fox Sports Wisconsin broadcast.
With the game in hand, Budenholzer wasn’t simply using the late quarter for rest for his players, but for game-time reps for a player who is undoubtedly still trying to work out his fit within his new team’s style of play.
On one of Williams’ first possessions in the game, Giannis took control of the ball, initiating the offense to create an open three-point look in the corner for his new teammate.
Williams may have missed, but in getting his first minutes of playing time alongside Antetokounmpo, there was a first chance for that pair to build an understanding together.
Budenholzer didn’t push his luck for too long, withdrawing Antetokounmpo, Bledsoe, and Middleton after a couple of minutes, but it may give us a taste of something he and the Bucks could look to do over the remainder of the season.
With their seeding all but wrapped up already, and blowouts a regular part of the Bucks’ life, some late-game experimentation and fine-tuning could allow Milwaukee to be even better prepared for the playoffs by the time those real crunch games come around.
The Bucks are back in action on Friday night when the Philadelphia 76ers will visit Fiserv Forum for a 7.30pm CT start.