It was the usual suspects who helped Jason Kidd’s Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 106-96 on Saturday night.
The Bucks led by five after the first two quarters, and Coach Kidd’s offense delivered a terrific 62-point second half to help seal the victory.
Coach Kidd was pleased with the way his team was able to handle the defensive scheme shift from Memphis of going from man defense to zone.
“I think for us, man or zone doesn’t change what we’re going to do,” Kidd said. “Get the ball at the elbow and now move. You have to have movement.”
Giannis and Jabari Shine Again
Giannis Antetokounmpo was all over the stat sheet with 27 points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks in 38 minutes.
“That’s Giannis. As a team, as fans, that’s what we expect to get your money’s worth,” J-Kidd said. “Again, he set the tone early and throughout the game when he was on the floor. You take for granted his defensive hustle, so coming back to block shots or change shots on layups, he did a really good job for us.”
Jabari Parker also did his fair share for the starting unit, finishing with 16 points and four rebounds.
Beasley and Brogdon Lead Bench
Michael Beasley finished as the second highest Bucks score, adding 19 points and four rebounds.
“Yeah I thought (Beasley) was great off the bench for us in the first half and in the second half,” Jason said. “I thought in that stretch there late when they went zone, he did what he does best, and that’s get the ball in the paint and he knows how to finish and getting to the free throw line.”
Although Beasley is new to the Bucks this season, J-Kidd noticed his veteran presence during the game.
“I thought he was very patient,” Kidd said. “We ran the ball through him, he made great decisions on the floor, not just scoring but finding Jabari on the baseline and Jabari gets to the free throw line, so there was a lot of good things.”
Rookie guard Malcolm Brogdon had another solid night for the Bucks, and is becoming a player his teammates and coach Kidd can trust.
“I think just his DNA, that’s who he is,” Kidd said. “He enjoys the moment, he knows how to play the game the right way, he works extremely hard on his craft and so coming back at night watching video, working on his game, he is never satisfied and that’s what makes him special.”
Bucks Lock Down on Gasol
Marc Gasol was the leading scorer for the Grizzlies with 18 points; however, the Bucks limited the all-star center to just four points in the first half.
“Look, you’re talking about one of the best centers in the game so he is going to score the ball. He’s able to shoot the three, he’s able to pass, he’s able to put the ball in the basket and so you just try to make it tough on him and I thought in that first half we made it tough,” J-Kidd said. “He’s a smart player. You have to tip your hat, he made the adjustment, but we just tried to make it tough on him.”
NEXT UP
After a successful bounce back win following a two-game losing streak, the Bucks have a few days to get some rest.
“From our bench, from Giannis, from the starters, Jabari didn’t shoot the ball well but I thought for a total game I thought we did a really good job,” Kidd said.
Coach Kidd and the Bucks will look to continue their hard team play on Wednesday night on the road against the Atlanta Hawks.
