Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways In Win Over Brooklyn Nets
The Milwaukee Bucks are winners of their last three straight games, with the latest coming last night over the Brooklyn Nets. We take a look at what stood the most in the victory.
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks followed up their drubbing over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday night with a win over the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, winning 111-93.
Coming into the game, however, it was hard to predict what kind of game the Bucks would offer. After all, we’ve seen this story many times before where the Bucks follow up either a big win or spirited effort against a top team in the league with an uninspiring performance over a team you’d think they’d edge out.
There were certainly some signs of that all throughout the game as the Bucks didn’t operate on all cylinders like they did for much of the Cavs game.
Despite not being as sharp as they’re capable of being, the Bucks were still more than enough for a shorthanded Nets team to handle, one that especially crumbled over the course of the second half.
After giving them a run for their money for the entire first half of play, the Nets started to really fade about midway through the third quarter. That coincided with the Bucks starting to blow open the game, thanks to their potent offense from beyond the arc (more on that a little later).
Although it took longer than we all would have liked, the Bucks ultimately sealed the win in time for head coach Jason Kidd to get every one of his players some time on the court before it was all said and done. With the win, the Bucks now improve to 9-8, going above .500 for the first time in almost three weeks.
So with that, let’s break down what stood out the most for the Bucks in the victory over the Nets last night.
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
In Giannis We Trust
Following up his sensational performance against the LeBron James-led Cavs was not an easy task for 21-year old Giannis Anetetokounmpo. However, Giannis stayed hot as he finished as the leading performer for both teams on the night.
Per usual, Giannis filled the stat sheet in a variety of ways, but it was most notable in how much he did it in a rare under-30 minute performance. He scored 23 points on 14 shots, with the big highlights being his two three-point makes that came over the course of the first half.
In addition to his three-point scoring, Giannis was a factor from the free-throw line, making seven of his nine attempts on the night. Aside from his scoring output, Giannis racked up numbers in virtually every other category as he hauled in eight rebounds, eight assists, four steals and two blocks.
The one category where Giannis didn’t make a contribution was arguably one of his better achievements for the night: turnovers. Giannis was one of the few Bucks who didn’t register a turnover, making this his first game of the season where he hadn’t turned the ball over at least once.
There was nothing incredibly overwhelming about Giannis’ performance against the Nets, at least in comparison to his night facing the Cavs.
But then again, it really didn’t need to be. It was as productive an all-around performance as they come and if this is what “off” nights are for someone at his age, it’s hard to really come away with any quibbles.
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mr. Brogdon Goes To Brooklyn
Another night, another game to be impressed by one Malcolm Moses Adams Brogdon.
Brogdon’s performance last night was just another one of already a handful of games in which the 23-year old rookie has made a significant, positive impact on the Bucks. In a little over 26 minutes, Brogdon scored 13 points, grabbed four rebounds, dished out four assists, garnered two steals and was a +13.
Where the big sign of encouragement came from Brogdon last night was in his three-point shooting as his three makes from deep were the bulk of his scoring. His efficient night from beyond the arc now makes Brogdon good on nine of his last 11 attempts from downtown, all coming in the last four games.
Considering both the potential and concerns in his shooting-range entering the draft less than a year ago, Brogdon’s recent run of three-point makes is very promising to say the least. Obviously we’ll have to see whether this is more than just a trend or not, but we all can’t help but feel encouraged to see Brogdon’s budding consistency from long range.
However, that shouldn’t get in the way of how Brogdon has produced overall playing as the team’s backup point guard. He has been as sure as they come as far reserves go for the Bucks and again, he only has a month-plus of NBA action under his belt.
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
A New, Improved Henson?
Continuing on the consistency theme, it’s time we turn our attention to John Henson.
Starting once again as the team’s big man, Henson was the best big for the Bucks last night by a mile, albeit a default one. Even with that said, Henson turned in another solid performance, scoring 12 points, grabbing eight rebounds and somewhat stunningly blocking five shots.
Henson’s performance against the Nets is just another of now a string of solid performances from the 25-year old, all of which started earlier in the week with a 20-point performance against the Orlando Magic.
While the Bucks are still considerably terrible with Henson playing alongside the four regular starters on the season, the fact that they have a net rating of 4.7 points per 100 possessions (per NBA.com/stats) in 48 minutes over the last three games is a sign that slowly but surely, things are coming together with Henson now in the starting unit.
But as is often the case with Henson, time will only tell if this is something we should expect on a nightly basis. For now, Henson’s been doing his part to make sure he not only gets playing time, but doing so as a starter and let’s hope just we see it continue.
Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
The Three-Point Extravaganza
We’ve alluded to this several times already, but perhaps the biggest thing to come away with from the Bucks victory over the Nets was their three-point shooting.
While the backbone of their offense (i.e. scoring points off turnovers, fast break points) remained intact, living and dying by the three-pointer worked considerably well for the Bucks last night.
In addition to the aforementioned Antetokounmpo and Brogdon, Mirza Teletovic (3-of-8), Matthew Dellavedova (3-of-4), Tony Snell (3-of-6) and Jason Terry (1-of-4) all helped round out the Bucks’ proficient night from deep.
Finishing 15-of-34 on the night, the Bucks three-point performance last night was notable for being the highest output in both categories during the Jason Kidd-led era, per Basketball-Reference.com.
Considering this is all coming without the team’s most dependable three-point weapon in Khris Middleton, it’s great to see the Bucks embrace adding in their three-point offense to help diversify their overall offense. Having it also come from not just role players, but the team’s bright stars makes it all the better as well.
Now the Bucks will look to continue their winning ways once they again meet with the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday afternoon, this time at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
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