In a tough game where the Milwaukee Bucks really took it to the Golden State Warriors, they ultimately went down 120-113. There were some really good stretches, and as usual, some disappointing ones. This
result evened the season series between the two sides, with the Bucks taking the first game earlier this season. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
Player Grades
Giannis Antetokounmpo
31 minutes, 34 points, 5 assists, 10 rebounds, 14/22 FG, 2/4 3P, 2/7 FT, +3
Giannis was brilliant last night (apart from his free throw shooting, which had been pretty damn good since he returned!). I thought he mixed going directly at the likes of Draymond Green with his pick-and-roll game well. The Warriors are a smart team, and I thought GA diagnosed the different defences they were deploying against him at a really high level. The operative word is “composed” for me.
Grade: A
Kevin Porter Jr.
40 minutes, 15 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds, 5 turnovers, 7/12 FG, 1/3 3P, –2
I’m at the point with KPJ where, while they do need players like him, I think he has way too much responsibility: it’s not some hot take to say that continuing to play through Porter to such a degree will augur negative results. Additionally, the situation is made worse by the fact that it feels like Ryan Rollins is suffering because of this. Some really bad reads down the stretch from him.
Grade: C-
Myles Turner
24 minutes, 13 points, 4/8 FG, 2/4 3P, -7
Another instance where Myles failed to really put any imprint on the game. I get the offence can be heavily tied to his teammates, but it felt like he got out-physicalled by the Warriors on defence. Simply need more on both ends.
Grade: C
Ryan Rollins
35 minutes, 16 points, 4 assists, 7/13 FG, 2/5 3P, -4
Solid stats. Needs to be trusted more! Good things seem to happen when Rollins has the ball, but he seems to be a bystander to others *cough KPJ cough* in way too many key moments (and just generally throughout games).
Grade: B+
AJ Green
29 minutes, 11 points, 4/8 FG, 3/6 3P, +1
I find it hard to fault much of what AJ’s been doing lately. He makes those around him better and is selfless, exemplified by his rugged screening for Giannis in the inverted pick-and-rolls (even though doing that is extremely hard). The guy just does his job and is generally additive to whatever is happening on the floor; I thought he did a lot of that same stuff last night.
Grade: B+
Kyle Kuzma
20 minutes, 13 points, 5/7 FG, 2/2 3P,-13
It was a fine Kuzma game because he didn’t try to do too much. He shot efficiently, and there might have only been one play where he went inward.
Grade: B
Gary Trent Jr.
21 minutes, 5 points, 2/7 FG, 0/4 3P,-11
After finally hitting some shots against Sac, GT couldn’t regain that rhythm last night. I mean, I can’t say I’m too surprised that a guy with Trent’s limited skillset—and particularly his lack of ability to truly pierce the defence—would fare poorly against a physical outfit like the Dubs.
Grade: C
Gary Harris
13 minutes, 8 points, 3/3 FG, –2
Gary Harris was solid! When Harris is making shots, he becomes a truly useful player because you know he’s going to have an impact on D; he’s also going to play his role on offence and make quick decisions. Nice.
Grade: A-
Bobby Portis
23 minutes, 6 points, 6 rebounds, 2/7 FG, 2/4 3P, 0
Just a nothing game from Bobby. This is a bad matchup for him in most instances. Couldn’t get his offence going or seek his shots, and you know he’s not doing a whole lot on D.
Grade: C-
Doc Rivers
I did think the Bucks were pretty crisp in their sets for much of this game. Giannis was a +3 in his 30 minutes; maybe if he could have played more, they’d have won, but that’s not Doc’s fault. Going to KPJ/allowing him to take over key possessions late, though, that’s on the coach; get the ball in the hands of your best player. I also thought the lineups featuring both Trent and Portis were simply untable defensively.
Grade: C+
DNP-CD: Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Cole Anthony, Amir Coffey, Andre Jackson Jr., Jericho Sims
Inactive: Taurean Prince, Alex Antetokounmpo, Pete Nance
Bonus Bucks Bits
- Giannis played a great game overall, but when Turner rolls to the rim, he has to be in the dunker spot and not stand on the perimeter. Defences will give him that shot all day, and I want to say there were two instances in which it happened in this game.
- Speaking of Giannis, he (and his teammates) thought Draymond Green should have been assessed a flagrant foul for a layup he made late in the second quarter.
- It remains clear that Turner is a guy who can impact in the right system, but he needs a coach (and a great point guard, granted) who can use him strategically; Doc just isn’t that guy, which sucks on multiple levels—the main one being the contract he’s on with the Bucks!
- To my Gary Harris point, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he’s been more impactful than Gary Trent Jr. for a good portion of this season. At least with Harris, you know the defence will be there; plus, he can drive a closeout and make the next play.
- De’Anthony Melton had his best game of the season.
- Jonathan Kuminga… the whole situation is a tad depressing.
- Jimmy Butler’s foul-baiting remains a frustrating watch, as it has been for years.
Up Next
The Bucks get a day off today and will play tomorrow against the LA Lakers. Catch the game at 9:30 p.m. Central on NBA TV or FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin.
