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Grading the Milwaukee Bucks’ rough Game 4 loss to Boston Celtics

By Tyler Schickert

May 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is guarded by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) is guarded by Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum
May 9, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports /

Grades from the Milwaukee Bucks Rough Game 4 Loss: Starters

Jrue Holiday: D+

After game 3 I was hoping for some more offensive efficiency from Jrue Holiday who had shot the ball great in the regular season, unfortunately instead of a step forward in shooting efficiency, Jrue took a step back. Jrue Holiday finished just 5-of-22 on field goals including 1-of-6 behind the 3-point line. Holiday did make all five of his free throws and to his credit played a good game outside of his shooting, finishing with seven rebounds and nine assists with just two turnovers and also three steals.

However, if the Milwaukee Bucks want to win game 5 and eventually, this series, the Bucks need more from Jrue Holiday than 0-of-5 in the fourth quarter, the Bucks biggest struggle over the last two games. Holiday continues to draw some of the toughest defensive matchups but that’s nothing new to him dating back to last years title run. Maybe Budenholzer can find some places to get him some rest earlier in the game so he has something left in the tank for the fourth quarter.

Grayson Allen: C

Grayson Allen was a little bit better for the Bucks in game 4 than he was in game 3, scoring seven points, but I think I speak for a lot of fans when I say I miss the Grayson Allen from not only the Bulls series, but also game 1 of this series when Allen was frustrating ball handlers and looking for his shot behind the 3-point line as well as driving to the basket.

Grayson Allen is the other side of the Mike Budenholzer starting lineup adjustment with Bobby Portis, as previously mentioned Bobby’s shooting has taken a dip since the change. As has Grayson’s, since moving to the starting lineup Grayson Allen is 3-for-10 on field goals and 1-of-7 behind the 3-point line. Game 5 may be the time to switch Portis and Allen back.

Wesley Matthews: A-

Wesley Matthews, despite not registering a rebound or assist, was one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ most efficient players on Monday night. Matthews scored 12 points on 3-of-5 shooting, including 3-of-4 behind the 3-point line and making all three of his free throws. Also, as has been the case all postseason, Wesley Matthews continues to play elite defense and should be the one guarding Jayson Tatum anytime they are both on the floor, Matthews finished game 4 with two steals and one block. Wesley Matthews also finished +7, the highest on the team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo: A-

Giannis Antetokounmpo is giving the Milwaukee Bucks everything he’s got, you can see it late in the games when he’s hunched over, trying to catch his breath. Giannis continues to be the leader and carrier of this Bucks team, if Mike Budenholzer can, he needs to try to find some ways to steal some rest for Giannis, whether it be using all of his timeouts, resting him at the end of quarters, or occasionally spelling him with Bobby Portis for short spurts. Giannis needs some rest.

Giannis finished game 4 with 34 points on 14-32 shooting, 18 rebounds, and five assists, where Giannis earns the A- and not the straight A is two areas, one his shot selection, Giannis took four 3-point shots in this game and missed them all, whether it be a fatigue issue or something else, Giannis needs to take a step in and shoot a mid-range jump shot, something he’s actually done relatively well this series. The second area is free throws, after a solid 9-of-12 finish in game 3, Giannis was just 6-of-11 in game 4. Again, it could be attributed to fatigue, but if that’s the case, Mike Budenholzer and the coaching staff have to find ways to get him some short spurts of rest.

Brook Lopez: A-

Brook Lopez, in addition to Wesley Matthews, was one of the most efficient offensive players for the Milwaukee Bucks in game 4, finishing with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting and 5-of-6 at the free throw line and seven rebounds. Whether Robert Williams is back in game 5 or not, the Milwaukee Bucks were a better team in the fourth quarter when looking to get the ball to Lopez offensively and should be looking to continue using his size around the rim.

If Giannis can continue his scoring, Jrue can increase his efficiency and Brook Lopez can remain involved offensively then hopefully the Bucks can play less in isolation and potentially save themselves from exerting so much energy over the first three quarters that they have nothing left for the fourth. Let Brook Lopez go to work more often, it’s working.

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