Bucks Zone

The 3 key takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks' blowout loss versus the Memphis Grizzlies

The Bucks had no chance against the scorching Grizzlies.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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The matchup between the Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies was anticipated as an exciting duel that could go down to the wire. However, the game went a completely different route as the Bucks got blown out 101-142, falling to 20-8 on the season.

Bad night

For a team that has been dominating opponents on both ends of the floor in the majority of the games this season, getting blown out in such a manner was a true slap in the face.

Memphis came out hot and left Milwaukee behind from the get-go, winning the first quarter 33-18 and finishing the half with a massive 70-41 lead. The game was pretty much over at that point, as all the stars didn't play too much for the rest of the game.

The Bucks couldn't buy a bucket, shooting only 37.2% from the floor (35-94) and 26% from deep (13-50), missing 37 three-pointers in unprecedented fashion. But equally bad was the play on the other side of the floor, where they allowed a season-high 142 points, with the Grizzlies shooting 54.9% from the floor (56-102).

Memphis scored 86 points in the paint despite the Bucks having some of the best rim protection in the NBA. Brook Lopez leads the league in blocks, but he had 0 last night.

The stars just didn't have it

With Jrue Holiday out for a second straight game, the Bucks needed their top dogs to step it up a notch, and that just didn't happen. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a rare off night, scoring just 19 points (5-13 FG), with 6 rebounds and 5 assists in 26 minutes of play.

Khris Middleton was expected to bring his production up, but the opposite happened, as the 3x All-Star struggled mightily, scoring just 3 points on poor efficiency (1-12 FG, 1-8 3PT), showing he is far from his usual form. 

The rare bright spot was Bobby Portis Jr. bringing in his usual energy off the bench and notching 19 points (8-14 FG) with 7 rebounds.

The rookies got more time to show out

With the game being out of balance and over early, all the stars got an extended rest, and the role players/prospects got an opportunity to get some more time on the floor.

From the Bucks' side, the two rookies put up decent games and showed coach Mike Budenholzer they could help out when needed.

MarJon Beauchamp scored 12 points, with 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 22 minutes, while AJ Green added 10 points (4-6 FG, 2-4 3PT) in 14 minutes of playing time.

What's next

The Bucks will have to put this loss behind them and regroup as they host the surprising Utah Jazz on Saturday night.

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.