On the heels of a polar vortex, the Phoenix Suns met the Milwaukee Bucks on a night where defense was optional. For the first time in a week, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to stay competitive for all four quarter in a game that was surprisingly enjoyable to watch, despite the loss.
BRANDON KNIGHT
Brandon Knight has made it so easy to forget Brandon Jennings ever happened. Knight made a living driving into the lane and often finishing at the rim despite contact. Watching Knight and Dragic go at one another all night was highly entertaining. If the Buck’s didn’t have the league’s worst record, you could argue about Knight perhaps being an all-star reserve.
KHRIS MIDDLETON
Khris Middleton was given another start and didn’t disappoint with an efficient shooting night, while holding his matchup, PJ Tucker in check. Minus the 3 turnovers, this is a performance we had come to expect from Middleton earlier in the year when he was starting in place of an injured Caron Butler.
ERSAN ILYASOVA
Statistically, Ersan Ilyasova had a nice game. It’s not often he gets to the free throw line 10 times. It’s not often he eclipses 20 points. Not this year, anyway. This year has been a year to forget for most of the Bucks, Ilyasova included. Although Ersan had a habit of losing Channing Frye on the perimeter, his defensive shortcomings are easier to take when he is shooting this well.
LARRY SANDERS
Larry Sanders, still battling illness, had one of his best games since coming back from thumb surgery. Coming off the bench on Wednesday and bringing energy with him. Larry Sanders was the player fans fell in love with last year as he ran the floor well, disrupted the paint on defense, and cleaned up the glass on offense. If Larry Sanders can find a way to consistently play like this, his contract is much easier to justify.
CARON BUTLER
Did he really play 27 minutes?
GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO
Giannis had his typical night of basketball. A handful of highlight plays, high energy for his entire time on the court. He didn’t really impact the game during his 25 minutes of playing time, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable. More importantly for the “Greek Freak” is that he was chosen to represent Milwaukee in the NBA Rising Stars challenge during the NBA All Star weekend. The kind of national exposure this Bucks team desperately needs.
JOHN HENSON
John Henson battled foul trouble all night long. Clearly frustrated at times, Henson was still able to submit a decent performance given his minutes. Buck’s fans still want to see more of the Henson/Sanders front court, but as long as Ersan Ilyasova is on this team, that pairing will have limited minutes together.
NATE WOLTERS
Finally, Nate Wolters was given meaningful playing time and made each of his 19 minutes count. I have no idea what happened to land Wolters so far down the end of the bench. Earlier in the year, the Bucks were able to stay competitive with Wolters on the floor, even if they weren’t winning games. Wednesday night was no different as he relentlessly drove the lane, finishing at the rim or getting fouled. He hit all 5 of his free throws.
LUKE RIDNOUR
Luke Ridnour played 9 minutes. That’s the perfect amount for him on this team.