Milwaukee Bucks Halftime Report

By: Melo Williams 

We are 42 games into the season, and the Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to play consistently during the second quarter. Milwaukee currently sits at 27-16. 3rd place in the Eastern Conference.

Let’s take a deep dive at the Buck’s 2nd quarter.

DEEP DIVE

2ND QUARTER

Milwaukee concluded a four-game road trip with a 2-2 mark following a 111-95 loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday. Both losses came to the Heat without Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

During the second quarter, Buck’s record was 11-9 compared to the first quarter record of 16-6.

During the last 20 games, Buck’s offense ranks 29th in the league, 23rd overall for the whole season.

In the nine losses in the 2nd quarter, the Bucks were blown out five times by 15+ points. 18, 21, 23, 29, and 41 points. The 41-point loss came at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO

Antetokounmpo has missed eight games this season due to knee soreness. The Bucks’ have a 5-3 record without Giannis this season.

In an eight-game stretch from Dec. 19, 2022, through Jan. 4, 2023, Antetokounmpo played 37.6 minutes per game and averaged 39.1 points, 14.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists.

That eight-game stretch included four 40-point games, a career-high night scoring 55 points against the Washington Wizards on January 3. To top it off, Giannis ended the eight-game stretch with a 30-21-10 triple-double in Toronto on January 4.

In the four games following the triple-double victory over the Raptors, Antetokounmpo averaged 17 points on 36% shooting, 13.3 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. His only two single-digit scoring games this season came against the Charlotte Hornets, 9 points on Jan. 6, and the Atlanta Hawks, 7 points on Jan. 11.

Giannis was held out of both games in Miami on Thursday and Saturday due to soreness in his left knee, the first time he’s missed consecutive games since the knee flare-up in November.

Budenholzer said before the Miami game regarding Giannis’ knee soreness, “He got some treatment kind of late into the evening (Friday) and just a couple things where he’s not in a position where he can play.”

“We don’t think it’s anything more than what we are always kind of managing and working with him and his body. It’s unfortunate, but I don’t think it’s anything that is any different than what we’ve always done.”

A huge area of concern is Giannis’ usage rate. Antetokounmpo’s usage percentage is currently the third-highest usage percentage in the league (36.9%).

Giannis is currently considered a heavy favorite to win his third MVP award.

KHRIS MIDDLETON

Middleton has been sidelined for 15 straight games due to soreness in his right knee. For the Bucks to get back to the Finals they’ll need Khris Middleton to come back and contribute and be the All-Star he was. Middleton is a vital part of what the Milwaukee Bucks do and it makes the team even better on both ends of the court. There is no timetable on his return but he should be back sooner than later.

Jrue Holiday

Jrue Holiday has been struggling to stay healthy this season as well. He’s missed 11 games due to injuries. However, when Holiday has been available, he’s been relatively productive.

For December Jrue Holiday averaged 20.7 PTS, 5.8 REB, and 7.8 AST. He’s on pace to set a new career high in made threes per game and for the first time since the 2018-2019 season, Holiday is dropping seven assists a night.

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez’s health has been a staple for Mike Budenholzer’s starting lineup this season. Brook has started and played in 42 of the 43 games this season. Lopez is continuing to play very well midway through the season. He’s second in the league in blocks (2.5) per game. Lopez is shooting 38.6% from the 3-point line. Lopez is still a favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.

Bobby Portis

Bobby Portis has played in every single game this season and is averaging a double-double with 14 points per game and 10 rebounds per game and almost 2 assists. Bobby is currently 5th in double-doubles on the season, with 25. Portis is still currently a frontrunner to win Sixth Man of the Year.

TEAM NEWS & STATS

Bucks record 27-16
1st in Central Division
The last 10 Games 5-5

Giannis Antetokounmpo leads the team in points and rebounds with 31.0 points per night and 11.9 rebounds per game.

Jrue Holiday leads the team in assists and steals with 7.2 assists per game and 1.4 steals per game.

Brook Lopez leads the team in blocks with 2.5 per night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo
31.0 PTS 11.9 REB 5.3 AST

Jrue Holiday
18.5 PTS 5.0 REB 7.2 AST

Brook Lopez
14.5 PTS 6.5 REB 2.5 BLK

Khris Middleton
11.1 PTS 2.6 REB 4.4 AST

Grayson Allen
10.2 PTS 3.6 REB 2.6 AST

Bobby Portis
14.0 PTS 10.0 REB 1.8 AST

QUARTERLY GAME BREAKDOWN

Quarter 1:
14 home games and 8 away games
6-game home stand

Quarter 2: 7 home games and 13 away games

5-game road trip

Quarter 3: 11 home games and 9 away games

Quarter 4: 9 home games and 11 away games

4-game road trip

CONCLUSION

After 42 games last season, the Bucks had a record of 26-16. Finished the season 51-31, third in the East.

The Bucks have some issues they need to address. Joe Ingles is still working himself into game shape while gaining continuity and chemistry with his new teammates.

So for all the adversity, the Milwaukee Bucks have faced this season, they’re doing quite well. The offense hasn’t been a shining spot for the Bucks, but defense wins championships, and the Bucks have consistently played defense well. It’s their staple.

As long as Giannis can stay healthy and don’t get burned out, Khris Middleton can overcome his knee soreness and be the offensive weapon the Bucks need, Milwaukee will have a successful end to their regular season going into the playoffs as a favorite to reach the NBA Finals.

The Bucks host the Indiana Pacers Monday, at the Fiserv Forum at 1:30 p.m. as part of the NBA’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Showcase.

#FearTheDeer

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