The Milwaukee Bucks have turned the tables on their season, going 13-4 in their last 17 games.
One of the sources of success is sophomore guard Andre Jackson Jr.
Jackson’s rookie year was characterized by potential. However, he played an average of 10 minutes a night, which prevented him from making an immediate impact. His defensive rating of 119.6 ranked him as the worst of all the Bucks’ rotation players.
Subtle But Steady Improvement
The 2024-25 season is Jackson’s year of opportunity. With the departure of Malik Beasley, Jae Crowder, and Patrick Beverley, a significant role was waiting to be filled.
Throughout this season, Jackson has seen his minutes per game increase to 18.4. His minute increase has paid dividends for the Bucks, especially as the season continued.
Last year, Milwaukee gave up 116.4 PPG, ranked 21st in the NBA. They’ve cut that number by five points thus far, ranking them 12th. Considering how rough this season started for Milwaukee, this number is vastly impressive.
The Bucks have struggled with different facets of the game, but trying to replace the defense of Jrue Holiday has been their biggest challenge. With someone like Jackson, they’re getting close to another top defender.
Milwaukee’s defensive rating has improved from 115 (19th) last season to 111.4 (12th) this season. While it’s not easy to tell a difference from pure team statistics, Jackson’s strides are stunning.
With Milwaukee’s increased defensive rating, Jackson improved his from 119.6 to 106.8. He has played a significant role in revamping the Bucks’ defense.
Jackson is a defensive-minded player, but his defense in his rookie year was lackluster. He had a defended field goal percentage of 54.3% when guarding on ball. Since he has seen increased opportunities, his opponents have scored less. This season, his defended field goal percentage is 42%.
Andre Jackson Jr.’s On-Court Difference Making
The impact of an elite defender transcends the stat sheet. Jackson’s impact is no exception. He plays the role of a high-octane defender that they can trust on the league’s best guards.
The modern NBA has produced nearly impossible scorers to “stop.” However, somebody who can constantly pressure and defend is crucial to a team’s ability to change an opponent’s game plan.
Jackson has displayed this high-energy defense since his Summer League games.
Similar story, new character
The Bucks had a key player during their championship run— P.J. Tucker.
He was the defensive player vital to their success. Tucker would put up low numbers statistically but restlessly followed around the opposing team’s best scorer.
Jackson has taken on that role for the Bucks, and he’s been the TOP defender for them.
He has played major defensive roles in games against top scorers and has shown his talent at an elite level, most notably in the NBA Cup Championship against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
In this game, Jackson was tasked with guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a 30-point-per-game scorer and MVP candidate. During the game, Jackson face-guarded SGA for the entire length of the court. SGA also shot 8-24 for 21 points, and the Bucks won by double digits.
Additionally, in their recent winning surge, Jackson contributed to several defensive showcases against NBA guards. The Bucks held Darius Garland, Coby White, Tyler Herro, Jaden Ivey, and more below their season averages for scoring.
The impact of a player like Jackson cannot be understated in a season like this for Milwaukee. While Giannis Antetokounmpo maintains MVP-level basketball, he can’t produce a winning season without the help of guys like Jackson.
The young core of Milwaukee will be crucial to their season. If the Bucks make the playoffs, Jackson will be the player to watch as he chases down the league’s best.
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