Grading Performances in Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Game 2

Grading Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics Game 2: Starters

Jrue Holiday: C+

Through the first two games, Jrue Holiday is averaging a solid 22 points per game, the not-so-solid part of that is he’s shooting just 37.5 percent on field goals (15-for-40). Jrue was 7-for-20 in the Milwaukee Bucks’ Game 2 loss and just 1-of-6 behind the 3-point line. Aside from the less than desirable shooting thus far, Jrue Holiday had an ok Game 2. Jrue played good defense but he was just victim to Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum hitting some really tough shots. He finished with two steals. Jrue Holiday did also grab four rebounds and dish seven assists. The silver lining for Holiday is that he has committed just five turnovers in the first two games of this series after having two games during the Chicago series where he committed six in just one game.

Wesley Matthews: C

When it comes to sports I believe that good offense beats good defense every time. Wesley Matthews was an unfortunate victim of that belief in Game 2. Wesley Matthews did everything he could to stay close to Jaylen Brown when guarding him and Jayson Tatum, his primary defensive assignment. Wesley Matthews did his job defensively hounding Tatum but Tatum made some very difficult contested jump shots. Whether or not that level of shooting is sustainable for the whole series will be determined, but we can count on Wesley Matthews giving the Milwaukee Bucks everything he has on defense. Anything that he gives offensively, similar to Jevon Carter, is just a bonus.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: B

Giannis Antetokounmpo got off to a brutal start in this game, starting just 1-for-10 on field goals, however, he did make 10 of his next 17 attempts and scored 23 of his 28 in the second half. Giannis tried to carry the entire Milwaukee Bucks team on his back, a valiant effort, however it got him into some trouble, he committed six turnovers, including some offensive fouls which he will have to adjust to Boston trying to draw those foul calls. That said, Giannis did also grab nine rebounds and dish seven assists with a steal and a block. Looking at Game 3 there may be a potential strategy to build on, using Giannis as the screener in the pick and roll game, it led to some success late in game 2, perhaps that will be one of the adjustments Mike Budenholzer leans on in Game 3.

Bobby Portis: B+

Along with Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis may be one of the lone bright spots in this game and potentially an x-factor heading forward in this series. In Game 2 Bobby Portis scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds. Bobby’s hustle can’t be understated and there is no doubt he will continue working hard as this series goes on, Milwaukee will need that from him.

Brook Lopez: C-

I will admit Brook Lopez was at times the victim of some questionable officiating but Brook is the starter the Milwaukee Bucks need the biggest improvement from in Game 3. Neither game so far has been impressive offensively, Lopez has tallied just eight points total in the first two games, but in Game 1 Brook’s impact was felt defensively and around the rim on both ends. In Game 2 Brook Lopez basically became the target of the officials and wasn’t really effective anywhere on the court. Brook Lopez is the starter that has the most work to do going into Game 3.