There was a moment when it seemed like the wheels in Milwaukee were starting to wobble. The Bucks raced out to a 19-6 start to the season behind the now-customary MVP-caliber play of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the persistent two-way excellence of Jrue Holiday, and a killer start by Brook Lopez that made the 15-year vet something of an All-Star cause célèbre. Come mid-December, though, the Bucks dipped down into the doldrums, playing sub-.500 ball for about six weeks to fall 5.5 games behind the East-leading Celtics — as close to the play-in bracket as they were to the top spot in the conference.
. What might be most compelling about the Bucks' roster over the final quarter of the season, though, might be how Coach Bud tinkers with and test-drives fifth options on a roster featuring quite a few interesting ones.
Need to space the floor with some off-the-dribble juice? Go with Grayson Allen, who's knocking down 40.6% of his 4.8 3-point attempts per game. Want some more size and playmaking? There's Joe Ingles, who's shaken off his own return-from-injury rust to average seven points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game while hitting 39.7% of his threes over the
. Want a middle path between those two poles that also provides a bit more defense? Call for ol' reliable Pat Connaughton, one offive Bucks that Budenholzer trusted by the end of Milwaukee's seven-game war with the Celtics in the second round of last spring's playoffs, and still one of the most capable reserve wings in the business.
Once he's back after nursing a sprained right MCL, Sixth Man of the Year hopeful Bobby Portis will provide instant offense off the bencha viable third big when the Bucks want to super-size. Jevon Carter gives Budenholzer a point-of-attack defensive pest against point guards and smaller scorers; Wesley Matthews can play that role against bigger wings.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bucks vs Celtics Live Stream: Start Time, Where to Watch | Digital TrendsThe Bucks vs Celtics live stream is airing today on TNT and ESPN, and there are several ways to watch the game live online. We've laid out your options here.
Read more »
Milwaukee Rep’s 70th anniversary season includes new musical by Violent Femmes singerMilwaukee Repertory Theater, the biggest professional theater in our neighboring city to the north, has announced its 2023-24 season, which includes a world premiere musical with music and lyrics by Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes.
Read more »
Derrick White Stays In Milwaukee To Meet With Ear SpecialistDerrick White Stays In Milwaukee To Meet With Ear Specialist - RealGM Wiretap
Read more »
Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers wants to give Milwaukee Brewers nearly $300 million to repair stadiumDemocratic Gov. Tony Evers wants to hand the Milwaukee Brewers nearly $300 million from Wisconsin’s budget surplus to enact repairs and renovations at American Family Field.
Read more »
Crow Holdings to redevelop Milwaukee Mitchell airport's 440th base - Dallas Business JournalCrow Holdings' development is pitched as a cheaper and less congested option to moving cargo out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and a way to expand Milwaukee Mitchell’s shipping capacity.
Read more »
NBA predictions and picks: Bucks vs. Celtics, Raptors vs. Magic Tuesday, Feb. 14Here are our favorite bets to make at BetMGM ahead of Tuesday’s light NBA slate.
Read more »