Middleton OK, But Veterans Shine
As the Milwaukee Bucks entered the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic in Game four, they held just a three-point lead. Considering Khris Middleton had three points, the Bucks had to feel confident. Middleton went off in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks dispatch the scrappy Magic 121-106, but it was Bucks veterans who kept Milwaukee in the game for three quarters.
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However, it was the Bucks’ veterans that put Milwaukee in a manageable position entering the fourth. Not only did Middleton struggle the first three quarters, but point guard Eric Bledsoe finished with just six points on 3-of-11 shooting. Bledsoe was a team-worst -16.
Veterans Wes Matthews, George Hill, Kyle Korver and Marvin Williams stepped up. The quartet combined to hit nine 3-pointers (Matthews 4, Hill 1, Korver 2, Williams 2) and shoot 12-for-21 (57 percent) from the field. Hill was a team-best +30(!) in 23 minutes and had nine points and six assists.
The vets supported another monster night from Giannis and Middleton suddenly caught fire in the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of his 21 points and the Bucks pulled away for a Game 4 win to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
Critical Shooting
The shooting is crucial around Giannis as it creates that split second of doubt from the defender to help. It is just enough to allow him driving lanes for thunderous slams and efficiency.
Korver knows his worth to the Bucks: it’s stretching the floor for the freak. He’s 8-of-19 (42.1 percent) from deep in the series. Matthews has played his usual great defense and has hit 7-of-13 3s in the last two games.
George Hill has been back to his steady self since the playoffs began. His numbers aren’t remarkable — averaging under nine points per game — but he’s shooting 50 percent from the floor and 40 percent from three.
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Williams, who played just six minutes in Game 3 before being ejected, didn’t miss a shot in Game four. Williams was three for three from the field, including nailing a pair of 3-pointers.
The Bucks will certainly need Middleton and a better Bledsoe for success down the line. Thankfully, their veteran group of role players seems primed for the playoffs. Having veterans who can knock down shots and space the floor around Giannis only makes him stronger.
The veterans are maintaining Milwaukee’s confidence, but Middleton and Bledsoe need to improve for the Bucks to advance.
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