Milwaukee Bucks: Player grades from 122-110 Game 1 loss to Orlando Magic

Guard. Milwaukee Bucks. ERIC BLEDSOE. B-. It was far from glowing throughout, but by the standards of his teammates on the day, and his own previous playoff outings, this was a relatively good performance from Eric Bledsoe. The point guard was one of the few who looked truly engaged throughout, and made a number of important plays, having particular success when he did really ramp up his aggression as a driver. There were some really poorly judged shots at key moments all the same, though, but Bledsoe’s 15-point, five assist effort was far from the cause of Milwaukee’s defeat.

B. Considering he’d missed recent games through injury, and even looked to have hurt his back in the second half of this one, Wesley Matthews delivered what the Bucks asked of him. Matthews chipped in with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field, was active on the boards, and kept his opposing two-guard Evan Fournier quiet for the vast majority of the game.. Guard. Milwaukee Bucks. WESLEY MATTHEWS

Forward. Milwaukee Bucks. KHRIS MIDDLETON. D-. Khris Middleton looked shellshocked in Game 1, acting as the face of the Bucks’ deer in the headlights. Middleton was incredibly passive for large spells, was off the mark with his passing, and had minimal control of his dribble. We’ve seen these games before from Khris, but this was as poorly timed as it gets. His 14 points show just how much room for joy there could be for him in this series if he merely plays at an average level, but this was far from that. Also, the Bucks can not afford Middleton to miss free throws like he did on this occasion.

B+. Giannis Antetokounmpo was bizarrely deferential in the first half, seeming content to let the game pass him by, even though fault also lies with his teammates and coaches for not involving him more often. Still, just as you would expect, Antetokounmpo came roaring out with a strong second half response that at times looked like it could save the Bucks. His 31 points, 17 rebounds, and seven assists should be enough against the Magic, but he needs help. We knew that all along, it was always going to be the story of these playoffs, and it’s now come to the forefront immediately.. Forward. Milwaukee Bucks. GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

D. Brook Lopez’s performance was made all the more disappointing by just how great he’s looked since the Bucks resumed play in the bubble. Brook’s 2-of-9 showing saw him get nothing going, either in the post or beyond the arc. Most surprisingly of all, he was flat out dominated by Nikola Vucevic, who then proved to be the biggest thorn in the Bucks’ side on the day. If Brook can’t come out much improved in Game 2, the Bucks could find themselves in incredibly deep waters very quickly.. Center. Milwaukee Bucks. BROOK LOPEZ