Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 119-108 loss to Miami Heat
By Dalton Sell
Takeaway No. 2 – Mike Budenholzer continues questionable coaching decisions
Mike Budenholzer has made his share of controversial decisions throughout his tenure with the Bucks as he enters his third season with the team. Every other day it seems that the two-time Coach of the Year is getting bombarded with vast amounts of criticism, and it is oftentimes justified.
Wednesday’s blunder against the Heat was no exception, as Budenholzer made some controversial decisions with the lineups he decided to throw out on the floor. For example, with a 19-14 lead in the first quarter, Bud threw out a lineup of D.J. Augustin, Donte DiVincenzo, Pat Connaughton, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis. Miami immediately exploited every weakness in the lineup and went on an 11-0 run in the final two minutes of the quarter to lead 25-19.
The rotations continued to be head-scratchers throughout the contest from time to time, which has become a common theme with Budenholzer. Just days earlier, the coach did express a desire to potentially change up the rotation and get some new faces in there:
"“I think there was some thoughts whether we could shake it up and throw somebody out there. It’s also early and guys have kind of earned opportunities. You gotta be careful while being flexible and giving other guys a look”"
It seems that Budenholzer is trying to see what he has on his bench, but it simply did not work in his favor Wednesday night in a game that slipped from their grasp. Milwaukee’s outlandish rotational decisions are not the sole scapegoat for the loss, as the Bucks did not play like themselves either.