History didn't repeat itself in Las Vegas as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Atlanta Hawks to book their spot in Tuesday's NBA Cup final against the Oklahoma City Thunder. It wasn't an easy night for the Bucks, but their superstars led, and the role players backed them up by all playing their part in the 110-102 win to make sure Milwaukee didn't exit the NBA Cup early again.
The lead changed seven times, and despite the Hawks' best efforts, Milwaukee held on. One young Buck showed his importance with some interesting stats, as Andre Jackson Jr. is really beginning to flourish in the starting lineup.
Andre Jackson Jr. is integral to the success of the Milwaukee Bucks
What Jackson brings to the Bucks is something that no one else on the roster, or any member of the team in recent years, possesses. His sheer energy and hustle set the tone defensively, making life so much easier for his teammates.
Damian Lillard had to defend a lot of elite guards last season, and the team struggled. Doc Rivers has now shown faith in Jackson and the other younger members of the roster, which has been nothing but successful for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The sophomore finished with five points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 25 minutes. A late 3-point shot from Jackson came up clutch for the Bucks. That is not one of Jackson's strengths, but he is shooting a solid 38.1 percent on 1.8 attempts from deep per game, so he can make them, as he showed in this crucial moment.
Trae Young had a good game for the Hawks, as he got to the line 17 times, with Jackson getting called for several fouls on him. Jackson ended with four personal fouls, and he has continuously found himself in foul trouble this season. What was positive, however, was how he adapted his game and managed to stay on the floor but still be a good defensive presence.
Looking into his defensive stats from Saturday, Jackson held opposing players to 42.9 percent shooting from the field, with him guarding Young for six minutes. The foul trouble was the problem as Young scored 13 points on him, but shot just 2-for-4. Yet, he went 8-of-9 from the free throw line off fouls from Jackson.
The referees were a little whistle-happy at times. In the first half, Jackson was called a number of times before taking it up a level defensively in the second half.
There is so much potential with the former UConn wing, and the faith instilled in him to start regularly shows just how valuable he is to the team. Khris Middleton's return looks more likely to impact Taurean Prince's minutes over Jackson's as he has really nailed down the position alongside Lillard in the backcourt. He leads the team in defensive field goal percentage at 40.2; it's clearly noticeable how elite guards aren't scoring on the Milwaukee Bucks so easily.
Andre Jackson Jr. has taken a huge step forward this season and is proof that young players just need time and the opportunity to show what they can do. He clearly made an impression in the offseason, and his desire to get better has been noticed by all. The wing is rising, and his importance to the Milwaukee Bucks is clear.
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