3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks blowout win over Miami Heat
Milwaukee Bucks fans got a good look at the new guys and potentially are seeing a former regular in the doghouse
In addition to Portis and Connaughton, the Bucks got good minutes from some of their new players tonight as it seemed like Budenholzer wanted to experiment with new lineups and get everyone involved tonight.
DeMarcus Cousins got into his second game with the Bucks and played around 11 and a half minutes. It would have been more had he not picked up four fouls in seven minutes, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that he had a big impact when he was on the floor. The Heat had a tough time with his size and he made plenty of plays as a scorer and passer.
Two-way guy Javonte Smart made his Bucks debut tonight and with Hill out, saw over 28 minutes as the backup point guard behind Holiday. He was a plus-7 and finished with a full line of eight points, six rebounds, and four assists. It was one outing in a blowout, but I’m intrigued by Smart and would like to see more of him in short bursts when need as well as G League time. Much better use of a back-end roster spot than Georgios Kalaitzakis.
Wesley Matthews made his Bucks re-debut after being signed on Friday and played about 12 minutes. He made a 3 and we got to see the bow and arrow celebration once again. He likely will see about the same number of minutes going forward depending on how Budenholzer is feeling about the other wing players.
This leads me to Jordan Nwora who saw a total of three and a half minutes, all of which came at the very end of the fourth quarter. It’s clear at this point that Budenholzer isn’t interested in Nwora being in the regular rotation, but even on a night where the Bucks were roundly outplaying their opponent, he barely saw any playing time.
Rodney Hood played over 27 minutes and while that won’t continue, it’s clear where Nwora is in the rotation and likely why the Bucks brought Matthews back. They need wing depth if Budenholzer doesn’t like the options he has and Matthews is another body for just that.
Next. Grading Wesley Matthews’ newly signed deal with the Milwaukee Bucks. dark
The Bucks stick at home for their next game against a fun and surprising Cleveland Cavaliers team, who they will see for the first time this season.