Grades from the Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 2 loss to Chicago Bulls
The Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls were both looking to rebound from poor shooting in the series opener on Sunday night, both teams did that, although the Bulls did so more effectively than the Bucks. The Chicago Bulls are leaving Milwaukee with a two game split and even ground heading into Friday’s game three.
An unfortunate loss not only in the game but the Milwaukee Bucks also lost their sixth man Bobby Portis and starting small forward Khris Middleton, neither of whom returned to the contest after their injuries. Their status for game three is currently unknown. Let’s grade the performances for game two.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls Game 2 Grades: Second Unit: F
The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need more from their bench if they want to win this series without having to play six or seven games to do so, the starters are doing their thing and scoring effectively. However, game two was the second game of this series where the bench didn’t bring enough to reinforce the starters.
The one redeeming player from Sunday’s opener was Bobby Portis, in this game he unfortunately only played five minutes before taking an elbow to the eye from Tristan Thompson and did not return. His status for game three is currently unknown.
Aside from Bobby Portis, the other four players Head Coach Mike Budenholzer deployed in this game were Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen, Jevon Carter, and Serge Ibaka. This second unit combined for just eight points on 2-13 shooting. Ten of those attempts came behind the 3- point line with just one going in for Pat Connaughton.
In 52 combined minutes, the group collectively scored eight points, grabbed eight rebounds, and dished just two assists with two turnovers.
We know what guys like Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen are capable of, and Serge Ibaka has playoff experience, so there is cause for optimism that they can bounce back and help the team in the potential absence of other key players, but it needs to happen quickly so the Bulls do not build momentum in this series.