Despite the Milwaukee Bucks’ struggles in the playoffs this year, head coach Doc Rivers still has several reasons to be optimistic. One of those is seeing how much Andre Jackson Jr. has grown over the course of his first year playing in the NBA.
Just recently, the Bucks have gone down a 1-3 hole in their first round series against the Indiana Pacers. During Game 4, Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton combined for 53 points to lead their team in 126-113 victory over Milwaukee. Furthermore, the rest of the starters – Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, and Andrew Nembhard – all scored in double digits to help their team take the commanding lead.
Meanwhile, the Bucks were still without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard due to injuries. As a result, Khris Middleton stepped up and finished the game with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Brook Lopez contributed 27 points and nine rebounds, while Malik Beasley added 20 points.
Milwaukee’s loss meant that they have to win three straight games if they want to advance to the next round. But without Lillard or Antetokounmpo in the lineup, two of the Bucks’ best players, the team has little hope to even beat a younger and more talented Pacers squad.
Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers Hails Andre Jackson For Major Growth This Season
Even if their season is hanging in the balance, Rivers chose to focus on the bright spots of their current campaign. One of those reasons is the growth of rookie Andre Jackson, as shared in a tweet by Eric Nehm on X:
Andre Jackson played 25 minutes tonight. The Bucks were +9 with him on the floor.
Here was what Doc Rivers said of Jackson’s Game 4 performance: pic.twitter.com/VAqQYBZxgz
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 29, 2024
While his numbers during the regular season don’t necessarily stand out, Jackson’s 37 percent success rate from deep and an ability to defend on the wing shows signs of being a capable 3-and-D player for Milwaukee. If developed properly, the rookie can become an important player for the Bucks down the line.
While Milwaukee is one game away from elimination, there’s hope that the following season might be when Jackson will break out. With Rivers as his possible coach, there’s a pretty good chance that may happen soon.
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