After a letdown against the Nets, Milwaukee got back on track against the Hornets. Milwaukee’s convincing win over Charlotte was much needed because of their remaining schedule. The Bucks have the most difficult schedule the last 20 games on the season. Last night, three things stood out in the beat down of the Hornets.
Balanced Scoring Attack, Limited Turnovers
Having a well balanced scoring attack forces defenses to not key on one player. Last night Milwaukee got production from every member of the team. The starting group dominated the scoring by pouring in 97 of the teams 130 points. The silver lining, not a single starter played more than 28 minutes. With Milwaukee’s gauntlet schedule, starters playing limited minutes against below .500 teams will be invaluable.
Good to see the #Bucks come out and thump a team. Been a while (or it seems that way). One thing in particular for me was seeing Jrue (8 assts. 0 TO) and Middleton combine for 11 assists and just 1 turnover. Both been loose with the ball lately. #FeartheDeer @BucksLead
— Mitchell Skurzewski (@MSkurzewski) March 1, 2022
The second unit for Milwaukee also stepped up their game, albeit in garbage time. The second unit was able to corral 25 rebounds and dish out seven assists all while scoring 33 points. Jevon Carter was the leading scorer in the second unit with 10 points despite going 2-8 from the field.
Great shooting was on display during the game. The starting unit went a perfect 24-24 from the free throw line. As a team, the Bucks shot 32-37 (86.5%) from the charity stripe. In addition to the great free throw shooting, Milwaukee also knocked down 18 of 45 triples for 40% on the night. It’s tough for a visiting team to keep up with those impressive numbers.
Bucks Won the 3rd Quarter
All season long Bucks fans have been frustrated with the lack of energy after halftime. Giannis and company looked hungry and on a mission to prove a point. Milwaukee won the quarter 32-23. Production came from a variety of players, both starters and nonstarters. Carrying over the momentum from the first half was a breath of fresh air for this Bucks squad.
Jevon Carter is a DOG
PJ Tucker’s speech had many fans laughing during the championship ceremony in Milwaukee. However, Milwaukee needed to replace Tucker’s physical and relentless defense. Jevon Carter wasn’t a flashy free agent signing but his defense should have fans excited. If you don’t think Carter has been valuable so far, check out this stat.
The best individual defensive rating on the Bucks over the past two games belongs to… Jevon Carter. pic.twitter.com/29D7J4cuO1
— Dalton Sell (@sell_dalton) March 1, 2022
Carter was tasked with hounding LaMelo Ball up and down the court when entered into the game. While Ball still produced 24 points, four rebounds, eight assists and two steals, Carter forced Ball to work for everything he got. Ball also tied many players with a game high of three turnovers. It should be noted that Ball and some starters remained in the game until the final horn.
Next Up
Tomorrow, Miami will travel to Fiserv Forum and take on the Milwaukee Bucks. Miami is currently the top seed in the east and Milwaukee is the four seed. The Heat currently lead the season series 2-1. Offseason acquisition, Kyle Lowry has already been ruled out for the Heat. There are currently no changes for Milwaukee on the injury report.
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