The New Head Coach was there leading the young squad
The 1-0 Milwaukee Bucks defeated the 0-1 Denver Nuggets as summer league play started on Friday afternoon in Las Vegas. The final score was 92-85 in favor of Milwaukee.
In what felt a little unusual, new Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin led the team from the sidelines. Usually the head coach of the team farms those duties out to a top assistant (yes that was Joe Pruntiy back as an assistant for Milwaukee.) But it seems like for Griffin, this was an opportunity to work out any preseason “kinks” he might be worried about. It certainly appeared to help at the end of the game as Denver was able to get within 3. He was able to slow things down and help manage the team from the sidelines.
The leading scoreers for the team were Marjon Beauchamp (23 points) and Nic Mannion (16 points). It was pretty cool to see 7’ 6” center Tacko Fall. What a big dude! Fall scored the first points of the summer league for Milwaukee with a ‘loopty- loopty’ free throw make.
The audience at the Thomas Mack center was primed and ready for the first Victor Wembanyama sighting. Many fans in attendance were wearing Spurs gear.
Related: Could the Bucks trade for Victor Wembanyama?
Both teams, as expected, have young inexperienced rosters. The game itself was pretty even up until Beauchamp hit a key three, then followed that up with an “and 1” play in the third quarter that swung the momentum in the Bucks favor.
Denver led 11-6 after the first three minutes of play. At halftime it was 45-43, Denver in the lead, after a strong defensive stop by the Bucks D to end the half.
![Game 1 Recap-Bucks Win vs Nuggets 1 Milwaukee Bucks sign Drew Timme](https://wisportsheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/USATSI_20321212_168400517_lowres-900x600.jpg)
Related: NBA Draft Recap for the Bucks
Game Recap
Marjon Beauchamp was the star for Milwaukee. His three to make the game 61-56, followed up with two layups including an “and 1”, with a missed free throw, followed up by a Bucks rebound and slam put the Bucks up 62-61. They would never trail again.
Milwaukee led 69-63 at the end of the third quarter.
Related: Andre Jackson Jr’s Awesome Blocks
The Bucks top draft pick from this year’s draft, Andre Jackson Jr, has an interesting shot. It is ‘flat’ but he was able to play well. (9 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds.) He already seems like a player that helps your team win.
The Nuggets played well in the first half. At one point Denver was up 34-31. Hunter Tyson had 15 of the Nuggets first 34 points off the bench.
Peyton Watson, the second year pro for Denver, led the Nuggets with 23 points. He also played well. Julian Strathwhter, a top draft pick this year for the Nuggets, did not shoot particularly well 4-11 and 3 of 9 from three. He missed a couple of key shots that would have really gotten Denver back in the game.
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Local UW-Milwaukee product Vin Baker Jr received an invite but didn’t play in the game. Nor did Coach Griffin’s son.
Drew Timme played well. He had a couple miscommunications on some pick n roll plays but for a team that probably hasn’t been able to practice much, that can be expected.
Up Next
The Bucks play tomorrow, Saturday July 8th, vs the Phoenix Suns.
The game has an 8pm Start Time CST and will be broadcast on NBA TV.
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