The Milwaukee Bucks were able to extend their winning streak to eight games after a 115-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, kicking off the best start in franchise history. Jrue Holiday’s 29 points and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 26-point triple double led the way for Milwaukee. There was a lot of contribution up and down the roster, and the Bucks were able to register 45 percent of their 3-point looks, which is their second highest clip early this season.
Takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks win: Jrue Holiday continues to impress
Bucks guard Jrue Holiday has been on a tear as of late. After a few rough games to open the season, Holiday has been a prolific scorer for Milwaukee over his last four games. Holiday’s defense is always on, but when he shoots and shares the ball the way he has it becomes very difficult for opposing teams to stop the Bucks. Jrue finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. This marks Holiday’s fourth straight game of 25 or more points. Holiday shot 12-of-24 from the field and 4-of-10 from distance. With the absence of Khris Middleton, Holiday has really stepped up in a much-needed way regarding scoring the basketball. He has also totaled 31 assists and 24 rebounds over the last four contests. Jrue has come up big these last few games and he is riding an impressive hot streak that he looks to continue that streak against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two-way play of Jrue Holiday has been marveling to open up the season for the Milwaukee Bucks. If he can continue to play like this, the NBA better watch out.
Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks win: Great 3-point shooting and energy
Despite the early struggles from three-point range, Milwaukee was able to rattle off a 17-for-38 performance from deep. The improved shooting was a big reason behind the offensive success Friday night. Having everyone on the roster step up and shoot the ball like they did goes a long way to the Bucks winning. Continuing to shoot well will be a crucial to riding this 8-game winning streak to nine and beyond. Jrue holiday had a team high of four makes from three-point range, after that the attack was very spread out. The rest of the starting lineup had 2 three pointers a piece and in addition Bobby Portis and rookie Marjon Beauchamp were able to hit 2 threes.
Beauchamp had an encouraging 14 points and 5 rebounds on 6-of-10 from the field. Considering the expectations and the first few glimpses of Marjon we have had this year, this was exciting to see. Marjon is playing more minutes than some may have expected.
Beauchamp may not have a big spot in the rotation when the Bucks reach full strength, but regardless tonight was a success for the rookie. In addition to hot shooting, the Bucks energy was on full display tonight. Offensive rebounding and hustle plays have been a department Milwaukee has put more focus on, and it has paid off. Milwaukee was able to win the rebounding battle 51 to 47. The offensive rebounding difference made the battle feel more one-sided, the Bucks grabbed seven to the Timberwolves 10 but the Bucks turned their seven into 12 second chance points, the Timberwolves turned 10 offensive boards into just nine second chance points.
Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks win: Bobby Portis for sixth man of the year is a real possibility
Ever since arriving in Milwaukee, Bobby Portis has revamped his career and found a great home. The fans in Milwaukee (and apparently Minnesota) adore Bobby, and for obvious reasons. Milwaukee was fortunate enough to retain Portis on a team friendly 4-year/$49 million deal in free agency this offseason. Keeping a guy like Portis around who can contribute to winning on the big stage is ideal.
The energy and passion Portis brings night in night out truly makes a huge difference for Milwaukee. After an 18 point, eight rebound, five assist performance Portis is now averaging 13.5 points and 10 rebounds on the year in around 25 minutes a game. Portis did a little bit of everything tonight, and performances like this attest to his value and the impact he has on winning basketball. Portis has even thrived being on the floor at the same time as Giannis and Brook Lopez.
Expect many more games like this for Bobby this season. Spark plug scoring and rebounding that Portis is hard to find off the bench, and Bobby may be the best in the league at offering these services. Assuming Portis produces in similar numbers throughout the year and Milwaukee wins at a high clip, sixth man of the year is a very realistic goal for him. In terms of bench players, Portis is one of the most valuable in the league. If his stats don’t end up amongst the top of bench players, I can guarantee that those players don’t offer the excitement Bobby Portis brings to Bucks fans.
The Milwaukee Bucks look to extend their best start in franchise history Saturday night at home against Oklahoma City.