Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors: Another step up

SB Nation

The Milwaukee Bucks take on the Golden State Warriors tonight in a marquee matchup. Both teams have lost only one game this season and have looked the goods thus far, making this game one to watch. The Warriors dominated

the Bucks last season, beating them in both matchups, doing an admirable job guarding Giannis in each game. Draymond Green was a key part of that, but the Dubs also added Al Horford this season—another excellent Giannis defender, even at his age. In short, this promises to be a physical battle, and the way Antetokounmpo handles it will go a long way toward determining the victor.

Where We’re At

The Bucks have looked legit so far. They sit at 3-1, with wins over the Wizards, Raptors, and Knicks, and their sole loss coming in a close game against the Cavs (when both teams were undermanned). The team is starting to gel and find cohesion as players settle into their roles. Other than Giannis, Ryan Rollins has been the story of late, considering his stellar play two nights ago on both ends against New York. However, Rollins’ performance shouldn’t overshadow the contributions of guys like Kyle Kuzma and Cole Anthony, who continue to play their roles to a T. Once Kevin Porter Jr. returns, this team will look even more deadly.

You can also apply much of the same sentiments to Golden State, who have seemingly continued their terrific play following last season’s trade deadline, when they acquired Jimmy Butler. The Warriors have defeated the Lakers, Nuggets, Grizzlies, and Clippers. This is a team that has always played a beautiful brand of basketball centred around Steph Curry and Draymond Green’s ageless two-man game, but the cherry on top has been the play of the oft-criticised Jonathan Kuminga. As our friends over at Golden State of Mind wrote, Kuminga has grabbed the starting spot he was tentatively given at the start of the season and forced coach Steve Kerr to make it permanent. JK has bought into playing selfless basketball and using the gravity of his future Hall of Fame teammates to his advantage. In short, the Dubs are rolling, and it’ll take an even better effort from the Bucks tonight if they want to get this win as well.

Injury Report

For the Bucks, Giannis is listed as probable (left knee soreness), while KPJ remains out (left ankle sprain).

For the Warriors, De’Anthony Melton is out (left ACL surgery), as is Alex Toohey (left knee injury recovery), while Moses Moody is questionable (right thumb soreness).

Player To Watch

I’m going with the aforementioned Jonathan Kuminga. It felt like in past seasons, opponents could bait Kuminga into hijacking Golden State’s “beautiful game” offence and taking over for himself. Whatever the case, Milwaukee will need to get the ball out of Curry and Butler’s hands, which will naturally mean Kuminga has it. For the Bucks’ sake, I hope he isn’t as deadly a passer and playmaker as he’s been to start this season.