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, November 20th: Wizards 99, Bucks 88
Despite a decent showing from their defense, the Bucks couldn’t generate much offense in this frustrating loss to the Wizards. Defensively, Milwaukee came up with seven blocked shots and 10 steals, six of which by Eric Bledsoe alone. But the Bucks’ offense was held to only 88 points, led by Giannis with 23. Middleton and Bledsoe contributed 15 & 14 points respectively, and Malcolm Brogdon was scoreless. Gary Payton II saw some playing time and dropped in eight points during his 14 minutes. Bradley Beal led all scorers for Washington with 23 points. Kelly Oubre, Jr. kicked in 18 points and John Wall added 15.
Wednesday November 22nd: Bucks 113, Suns 107 OT
The Bucks were plagued by injuries, with both Giannis and John Henson having to sit this one out. Milwaukee needed someone to step up, and Khris Middleton answered the call with 40 points. In his first game against Phoenix since the trade, Eric Bledsoe played tenacious defense and dropped 30 points. Thon Maker found his stroke on mid-range jumpers, adding 16 points in a game the Bucks were expected to win. DeAndre Liggins only made one basket, but provided intangible defense to make Devin Booker’s night very stressful. Milwaukee had double digit leads a few times in the 3rd quarter, but just couldn’t put the Suns away. Phoenix kept fighting back, capped off with Booker sending the game into overtime on an impressive 30+ foot jumper as time expired. The Bucks, however, held on to win, holding Phoenix to just two overtime points. Greg Monroe played a well-rounded game for Phoenix in his revenge game, knocking down 22 points and scooping up 15 rebounds. Devin Booker finished with 23 points, and TJ Warren added 20.
Saturday, November 25th: Jazz 121, Bucks 108
The Bucks defense took the night off in this shootout, allowing a whopping 121 points. Giannis was back in the lineup, totaling 27 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Middleton continues to be streaky on offense, contributing only nine points. Tony Snell stepped up his game off the bench, scoring 18 points and showed he can slash to the basket. Malcolm Brogdon returned to previous form, adding 19 points. Eric Bledsoe continues to play at a high level with 18 points, seven assists, two rebounds, two steals and one block. Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell led all Utah players with 24 points, with Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors scoring 21 & 16 points respectively.
This Week’s Games & What To Look For
Tuesday, November 28th @ Sacramento
The Kings (5-14) have had a rough start to the season and have relied on a lot of their young guys to produce heavy workloads (De’Aaron Fox 26.6 MPG, Willie Cauley-Stein 25.2 MPG). Their offseason veteran additions in George Hill, Vince Carter and Zach Randolph have not quite turned out as head coach Dave Joerger may have hoped. Carter has only appeared in 10 games this season but could see some playing time against Milwaukee after torching the Bucks for 24 points with Memphis last March.
Thursday, November 30th @ Portland
The Blazers (12-8) have surged into the top four out West, and appear ready for revenge after Milwaukee bested them 113-110 early on in the season. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum (combined 72+MPG and 47+PPG) will continue to lead the charge after each dropping 26 against the Bucks back on October 21st.
Saturday, December 2nd vs Sacramento
See above.
