Camille Davis and Justin Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Bucks podcast, with your daily Locked On Bucks newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Bucks and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Controversial Calls and Upcoming Challenges Haunt the Milwaukee Bucks
Nov 16, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) argues a call with referee Brandon Schwab (86) during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images|Jim Dedmon/Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Controversial Calls and Their Impact
As a Milwaukee Bucks fan, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions lately, especially with the recent games against the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons. The Bucks have found themselves in nail-biting situations, often coming down to the last two minutes, and unfortunately, controversial calls have played a significant role. The call that sent Ron Holland to the free-throw line was particularly frustrating, but the Bucks managed to pull through. However, the game against the Hornets was a different story. The call that sent LaMelo Ball to the line was a bitter pill to swallow, especially since it cost us the game. It’s tough to see the team put in so much effort only to be let down by officiating errors.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Decision-Making
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s decision-making in the final moments of the Hornets game has been a hot topic. Some fans questioned his choice to take a mid-range shot instead of driving to the basket. However, I believe Giannis made the right call. Throughout the game, the Hornets were conceding that mid-range shot, and Giannis had been working hard on improving his mid-range game. While the shot didn’t fall, it was an open look, and Giannis had the discretion to make that decision. His growth as a player is evident, and his ability to diversify his game is crucial for the Bucks’ success.
Doc Rivers’ Frustration and Team Dynamics
Doc Rivers’ post-game comments highlighted the frustration with the officiating. He didn’t hold back, expressing his disappointment with the back-to-back incorrect calls. Rivers’ willingness to speak out shows his commitment to the team and his desire to see fair play. It’s a sentiment shared by many Bucks fans who feel the team deserves better.
Despite the challenges, there are positive takeaways. The Bucks have shown resilience, and players like Taurean Prince and Andre Jackson Jr. have stepped up. Prince’s ability to mix up his offensive game and Jackson’s defensive contributions have been noteworthy. The team is finding ways to adapt and improve, even in the face of adversity.
Looking Ahead: Houston Rockets Matchup
As we gear up for the matchup against the Houston Rockets, it’s crucial for the Bucks to address their defensive rebounding issues. The Rockets are a young, athletic team that excels in offensive rebounding, and the Bucks will need to box out effectively to prevent second-chance opportunities. With key players like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton potentially unavailable, the team will have to rely on its depth and adaptability.
The Bucks’ journey this season has been challenging, but there’s a sense of optimism. The team is starting to find its rhythm, and with continued effort and focus, there’s potential for growth and success. For more insights and a deeper dive into the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent games and strategies, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
- Doc Rivers’ comments on officiating and its impact on the team
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s evolving mid-range game
- The Bucks’ defensive strategies against the Houston Rockets
- Player performances and season highs from recent games
After historic back-to-back nights over the weekend I hope the Kings’ De’Aaron Fox is on your radar. Fox delivered a 60 point game against the Timberwolves on Friday (the Kings, after all that, could not wrestle away the win) and then 49 points against the Jazz in a winning game on Saturday. While these scoring numbers are certainly a touch more astronomical than Fox’s norm, he’s still an athlete who’s averaged 25 points per game in the last three seasons.
Beyond pure shooting, Fox is a pleasure to watch. I mean that in an artful sense, like taking your time in a gallery or museum and letting your eyes rove over every flourish and detail. Fox has a knack for hang time, able to lightly adjust his body mid-air to tweak the angle of his jumper just so. It’s a bane to defenders because it’s nearly impossible to pre-calculate where Fox will wind up releasing the ball, but it’s startling, and fun, to see.
His passing follows the same rules. Namely: his own. One hand flings and scoops to teammates running down the lane, or flashing out to the wing, dependent on the sort of timing it takes trust and seasons of practice to nail. It speaks to the cohesiveness of the Kings, a team many are still quick to dismiss from contention but who will prove a difficult team to match up against once their roster returns to full strength.
Cade Cunningham
Admittedly, I hadn’t been paying that close of attention to Cade Cunningham, even with my well documented dedication to the Detroit Pistons. I changed that last Friday when the team was in Toronto to face the Raptors, and I spent a good chunk of pregame warmups watching Cunningham run through his drills.
There’s a new level of patience to Cade, who’s been — by circumstance — forced into holding pattern since he entered the NBA. This new level filters through his game. There’s still the juddery, at times mesmerizing, stop-start motion of his handle and with it the ability to force the pace he wants in a game, but now Cade’s letting the game come to him. Where there simply isn’t time to draw out a possession, or altering one might upend his team’s momentum (momentum has been something Detroit is relying on this season, to their benefit), Cade instead adopts the rhythm of the floor in motion. Now into his forth season, his maturation is evident, and it’s winning games.
Jabari Smith
It’s felt a touch disingenuous, how down on Jabari Smith those in the wider sphere of the Houston Rockets have been this season. Yes, he’s had some slow shooting nights, and made some frustrating decisions, but he’s also come back in the games that follow those less than stellar performances and done all the right things — leading to wins.
Smith’s a third year player in the league on a franchise that only really started to get the foundation of their rebuild right last season. He’s learning to adjust to quicker pace, tighter and more effortful defence (the Rockets are the league’s best rebounders), and what it means to actually compete versus playing at the whims of a single game, on a game-to-game basis. There’s continuity showing here, and it’s great.
Smith tends to have his best rebounding games when he’s also scoring, which just tells me that energy generated on one end of the floor is essential for him at the other. It’s also true of younger players — and teams, like the Rockets — learning what it is to stay consistent through a game’s many tide-turns.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Bucks face a challenging matchup against the in-form Houston Rockets, who are on a five-game winning streak. Key players like Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo are probable for Milwaukee. (Brew Hoop)
Analysis In the Monday Morning Media Roundup, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s performance is scrutinized as the Bucks navigate a tough season start. His evolving playstyle is crucial for Milwaukee’s success. (Brew Hoop)
Biz Deep breaths. The NBA has settled its broadcast lawsuits, and “Inside the NBA” is here to stay. (Sportico)
Preview Major changes could soon be coming to the All-Star Game. (ESPN)
Analysis The “unicorn” era of Anthony Davis may be over, but could the “Lakers AD” era just be starting? (The Ringer)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Sunday’s NBA Fantasy Basketball Roundup
Nov 17, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after being called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the fourth quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images|Nick Wosika/Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
As we dive into the latest NBA action, it’s clear that Sunday was packed with intriguing performances and unexpected developments. With 10 games on the schedule, there was no shortage of excitement and fantasy implications to unpack.
Injury Updates and Opportunities
The Sacramento Kings are dealing with some significant injury news. Domantas Sabonis, usually a reliable presence, is doubtful with a back issue, potentially missing his second consecutive game. This opens up opportunities for players like Kevin Huerter and Trey Lyles to step up. Meanwhile, DeMar DeRozan is officially out for his third consecutive game.
Key Performances and Fantasy Implications
The Minnesota Timberwolves’ victory over the Phoenix Suns highlighted some strategic missteps by the Suns. Starting Mason Plumlee and Jusuf Nurkic together against Minnesota’s big lineup didn’t pay off, with Nurkic playing only 14 minutes. His inconsistent performances make him a risky fantasy option, as his playing time and production fluctuate wildly.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Mike Conley’s increased minutes are worth noting. While his scoring was minimal, his contributions in other areas helped secure the win. Naz Reid, despite his scoring potential, continues to struggle defensively, which could limit his fantasy upside.
Click the button below to see why one of KD’s newest running mates could be worth a look, and how Charlotte’s injury concerns will affect your lineup.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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