Each week here on Bucks Lead you can look forward to reading Bucks Roundup, a recap of last weeks’ games and a look ahead to the upcoming week!
Monday January 15th: Bucks 105, Wizards 94
The Wizards led 30-28 after one because the Bucks first quarter defense is about as good as strainer is at catching water. The Bucks managed to claw their way to a minimal two point lead at halftime, 53-51, after Malcolm Brogdon beat the buzzer with a lay-in to give them the Bucks the lead. The Bucks managed to work up a decent lead in the third quarter, but Milwaukee could only hold to a 78-72 lead. Washington kept it close in the fourth, but Giannis Antetokounmpo was lead the way for the Bucks while going for 27 points, 20 rebounds (career high!) and six assists. Also he did this:
Wednesday January 17th: Heat 106, Bucks 101
A first quarter 9-0 run by the Heat was capped off by a fadeaway 3 from Wayne Ellington giving the Heat a 5 point advantage.
The next bit is just straight from my game notes:
2nd Q with 9:30 to play Giannis got backed down all the way under the hoop by Bam Adebayo and then Giannis just reached over and blocked – incredible – the athleticism – he just reached over him and knocked it. Why he’s so valuable defensively.
1:16 left in the 1st half Thon tried to post up Dragic – got pushed out to the three point line. MY EYES. Then Bledsoe didn’t attack his switch on Whiteside – WHAT. BUCKS. All around ugh.
Despite the sadness of moments, the Bucks were up 5 at half. Whiteside had 14&7 and once again was dominating the frontcourt. The Bucks need a center so so bad.
A Miami run cut the Bucks lead to 1 going into the 4th. Then the classic Bucks letdown came in strong. Of course nothing would fall for Milwaukee, and their offense was stuck in the mud and never allowed Bucks fan to enjoy even a two game win streak.
Saturday January 20th: 76ers 116, Bucks 94
A Giannis-less Bucks is a rudderless Bucks. The Bucks were a sieve on defense to start the game and to close it out, letting Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Robert Covington get free for whatever looks they want. The Bucks really closed the gap over the next 2 quarters, going into the final frame down 84-80. The 4th was absolutely a whitewash. The Bucks put up 14 points on an abysmal 27% from the field. While the Bucks were bricking left and right, Philadelphia put up 32 points on 67% from the field. Milwaukee’s struggles dragged them to an antagonizing loss. Sterling Brown played very well as he went on put up 14 points, 2 rebounds and 1 steal on 5-9 from the field and 4-7 from beyond the arc. Another Bucks second round pick who looks to be more promising than his first round counterpart.
This Weeks’ Games
Monday January 22nd vs. Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker might be as hot as the actual sun. Since coming back from injury he is averaging 28 points per game and is hitting 40% of his three’s on 80 attempts. The Bucks are so up and down lately, beating up on a bottom tier team is vital for them. The Bucks need this one.
Friday January 26th vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Bucks have 4 days off between games as the Brooklyn Nets arrive and once again the Bucks really need to escape this one with a win. The Nets sit at 17-29, with one of the league’s worst defenses and having dropped 6 of their last 8. The Nets have no one who can guard Giannis, no big guy to dominate the Bucks down low, and they turn over the ball consistently. So look for the Bucks to drop this one in typical Bucks fashion.
Sunday January 28th @ Chicago Bulls
Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine and the Mayor will host the Bucks for the first time this season. The Bucks have dropped both contests against the Bulls so far this year. But, this week is important for Milwaukee, coming away with 3 wins against 3 teams that are clearly lower in the NBA echelon. Finding ways to beat bad teams is how you stack wins that allow you to drop games against the elite. The Bucks are either going to give themselves some breathing room or the are going to dig themselves even a little more of a hole.
