Jason Kidd’s Milwaukee Bucks had their character tested in the final game before the All-Star Break.
After back-to-back wins, the Bucks faced only the Brooklyn Nets, who claim the NBA’s worst record, in the final contest before some much needed time off. It wasn’t easy, but J-Kidd’s crew got it done, defeating his former team 129-125 at the Barclays Center.
“This is the NBA, this is a trap game, we all know that,” Jason said. “But I thought the guys fought, they stayed with it, we got stops when we had to, I think we scored enough points but this is a good win. To win three in a row before the break, so now we can get some rest and regroup on Wednesday.”
The Bucks scored at least 33 points in three of the four quarters, but it was a ferocious 43-point fourth quarter from Brooklyn that made the game interesting.
Milwaukee was able to steer through the storm with strong performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Greg Monroe. The Greek Freak led the way with 33 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists—but the Bucks got big contributions from more than just their All-Star.
“I think we all feel that way. When you have someone like Khris, the security blanket that we had last year in close games we could play through him. Giannis’ growth, and now both of those guys we can play through both of those guys. I thought they made some great plays. The ball moved and again this is a big win for us.”
Middleton, who led Milwaukee in scoring last season but has been sidelined until recently due to an offseason injury, scored six of his 20 points in the final 1:21 of regulation.
“It just shows how much we miss Khris in the close games coming down the stretch. Being able to put the ball in his hands, I thought down the stretch we scored every time. Giannis, Khris and then Giannis again,” Jason said. “But I thought again free-throws and those guys executing, on the defensive end we’ve got to get a little bit better but this is a good win for us.”
Middleton has been a welcome addition back to the lineup, as well as several others who are trying to step up and fill in for Jabari Parker.
“The team is playing well. We miss Jabari, he’s a big part of this. Understanding that it’s always hard when someone who’s scoring 20 points and the way that Jabari plays; but it also give other guys opportunity and you can see the other guys stepping up.”
Monroe finished the game with 25 points and eight rebounds. The former Georgetown big man is really connecting well with Middleton, and is even getting Sixth Man of the Year publicity from his coach.
“He’s stating his case. I think he’s been consistent all season for us. He’s playing at a very high level and he should be considered in the talk of sixth man,” Kidd said. “Those two play off of each other well. Last year too, and you can see the carryover, they’re very comfortable playing the two man game. ‘Moose’ is playing at a high level. He’s giving everything he has on both ends and we need it.”
It was a big night for Brooklyn star Brook Lopez, who finished the game with 36 points and eight blocks going head-to-head with Milwaukee rookie Thon Maker inside. Jason talked about the learning experience for Maker squaring off with one of the league’s top veteran post players.
“Brook is an All-Star, I mean he is a very talented player and I thought Thon did a really good job tonight,” J-Kidd said. “He’s young, he’s going to learn on the floor, on the go and I thought he did a good job there in that second half; he got us going.”
The Bucks now are off for a while, entering the All-Star break with a three-game win streak and a lot of confidence.
“One, we just have to take one game at a time and understand we have to get better each time,” Kidd said. “I think we have 26 games left. Each game is going to mean something so this is a great test for us going into the second half.”
The Bucks will return from the All-Star break on Feb. 24 when they host the Utah Jazz.
