Bucks Buzz Ep. 78: Milwaukee Lays an Egg

Since mid-December, it's hard to find many games where the Milwaukee Bucks got completely outclassed in a game. There are a few examples like Charlotte a couple Saturdays ago, but nothing was the ass kicking like we saw at the Bradley Center tonight. Cleveland completely destroyed Milwaukee in a 109-80 blowout. Could this be the sign Jason Kidd needs to start resting players?  I would think that's a fair assumption.

Player of the Game (Cavs): J.R. Smith - As we all know J.R. Smith plays better in games during the week from our research department. We also know J.R. plays better in cities like Milwaukee versus Los Angeles and New York. Smith lit up the Bucks in the first half with seven threes and 21 points. He drove the Cavaliers scoring in the first half and with the help of Kevin Love, they pushed this lead out to 24 at halftime.

Player of the Game (Bucks): Giannis Antetokounmpo - Amid the bad game, Giannis nearly had another triple double. He still delivered a crazy stat line with 22 points, 14 assists and eight assists. Antetokounmpo played his game and did effectively. Unfortunately, there were no other Bucks with the same type of effort versus the Cavaliers. Although 39 minutes in a blowout is a little bit excessive.

Highlight: There's nothing - I can't really find a reason to be positive after this game. Sure, Giannis and Jabari Parker had decent games, but there isn't much from this one. Bucks played like a team that's gassed, and once again, they struggle mightily without Khris Middleton. There's only been one half where Middleton's absence wasn't an issue. 

Lowlight: Jason Kidd needs to settle down a bit - We talked about this on the podcast yesterday, but it's time to give Giannis and Jabari a couple nights off with games in Boston, Philadelphia and Orlando coming up. There's no need for these guys to be out there for 40 minutes a game in a 29-point blowout at the very end of the season where the team is eliminated from the playoffs. 

What's Next? -  Milwaukee heads to Boston on Friday night in what promises to be another ugly game for the Bucks with the C's contending for playoff position.

Charlie.