Milwaukee Bucks: Player grades from 137-134 win over Washington Wizards

Guard. Milwaukee Bucks. ERIC BLEDSOE. A+. This may not have been the playoffs, but the Bucks found themselves in a spot where they needed Eric Bledsoe to step up in order to come away with a win, and the point guard delivered. Bledsoe may ultimately have been overshadowed by his friend and teammate late on, but the all-around contributions he provided on Monday shouldn’t be overlooked. Bledsoe finished with 23 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 4-of-6 from deep, along with dishing out 10 assists and grabbing seven rebounds. Just as important late in the game was his defense, though, particular some stellar ball denial on a red-hot <a rel=

B. A very strong effort from <a rel=. Guard. Milwaukee Bucks. WESLEY MATTHEWS

A+. Khris Middleton’s season continues to level up, and at this point it’s truly something to behold. There may have been a bumpy stretch in overtime where it looked as if the game was getting away from Middleton, and the Bucks, but the way in which he was able to rally through that to score nine straight points and ice the win speaks volumes of his progression as a player. On this occasion that was also evident with some of the incredible ball-handling and passing that Middleton was showcasing, both of which are elements that haven’t always been strengths in his game. In all, a final line of 40 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals, while shooting 15-of-28 from the field was a true top-tier performance from Middleton. His ability to step up when Antetokounmpo has been nullified or hasn’t in play has been notable of late, and again it only bodes well for Milwaukee’s postseason dreams.. Forward. Milwaukee Bucks. KHRIS MIDDLETON

Giannis Antetokounmpo certainly didn’t benefit from a friendly whistle on Monday night, but it also can’t be overlooked that this was far from his finest hour in terms of decision making. That ultimately ended his night prematurely when he fouled out in an obvious tussle with Mo Wagner, but it was also obviously evident in his eight turnovers on the night. In the 25 minutes he did play, Giannis posted 22 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists, but the hope will be his truncated effort on Monday will lead to and energized and emphatic response on Tuesday in Toronto.. Forward. Milwaukee Bucks. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO. C-

Center. Milwaukee Bucks. ROBIN LOPEZ. A. <a rel=