The Milwaukee Bucks were without Brook Lopez and Grayson Allen Monday night in a 109-102 victory in Orlando vs the Magic. Despite playing without those two starters, the Bucks were in control the whole game. It feels like the better team won.
The Bucks started off slow but went on a 14-0 run to close out the 1st quarter. In the 3rd quarter Orlando got it within ten but the Bucks put on the gas and won.
Check out our “studs” and “duds” from tonight. The Bucks play again on Wednesday at home against the Sacramento Kings.
Studs
Jrue Holiday
I think the debate about who the Bucks second best player is and can be a good one. Khris Middleton is an amazing shooter and has worked hard to get to where he is today. But because of his injury it is going to take him time to come back. Also, on top of that, he was never a Gatorade National Player of the year type guy. Middleton has worked hard for everything he has.
He’s back. But Jrue really is the general of this team.
Jrue Holiday has to be considered the Bucks’ #2 man.
Tonight he almost had a triple double (17-10-8). He had a +19 differential. He plays big; he fights even harder. And while he had a few flat stretches (NBA Regular season) he earned our top nod as our “top stud”. Comment below if you agree he is the Bucks second best player.
Giannis
He has now scored over 30 points in seven straight games. That is the first time in his career he has done that.
A few years ago everyone was excited to have four MVP’s in Wisconsin: Giannis, Rodgers, Yelich and Braun. Now, maybe a better question will be is Giannis the “best MVP” of the group? Are we truly sure we are watching something maybe better than greatness?
Related: https://wisportsheroics.com/brook-lopez-becoming-the-nbas-king-of-splash-and-swat/
AJ Green
The second round pick really shot well! (3-5 from 3pt). In ten minutes he had 12 points. If AJ Green provides this team production and develops into a shooter and threat, that only continues to make Jon Horst feel like more of a genius.
Green currently splits time between Milwaukee and the Herd in Oshkosh. If your haven’t had a chance to see a Herd game, I’d highly recommend it.
Duds
A win is a win. These are professional athletes who put in the time. But let’s take a second to be nit-picky and look for that more “ideal” game.
Pat Connaughton
It isn’t broken but it isn’t right. Pat has been sick. And his shot has been off. The Bucks need him to start to get right by Christmas. He is an integral part of the philosophy of Jrue/Giannis drive and dish. Connaughton needs to play better. He will.
Over 22 minutes Pat went 2-9 from the field and 2-8 from the 3point arc. He earns our DUD of the GAME.
Khris Middleton
1-11 shooting simply isn’t going to cut it. Great to have him back but it still does not look right. He’ll get there. He is a great, proven player.
The Bucks first five minutes
What was up with that? Did anyone else wonder if this might be a trap game the Bucks might lose? 5 turnovers that quick? Giannis bouncing the ball off his foot?
Well, the cream rose to the top and the Buck left Orlando with the victory.
Note: Robin Adams, the co-owner of wisportsheroics, usually writes this column. He was off tonight. Check out my favorite piece by him here.
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
