Instant Analysis: Bucks End 6-Game Losing Streak With Strong Win Over The Jazz

The Milwaukee Bucks no longer have the worst record in the NBA after picking up a crucial 123-100 win at home over the Utah Jazz at the Fiserv Forum. The Bucks have improved their record to 2-6 and can start climbing themselves out of an early-season hole created by losing six straight games after their opening night win over the Philadelphia 76ers. 

Damian Lillard continued his hot form with 34 points (12-22 FG), seven assists, and four steals while Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from injury to put up 31 points (11-21 FG) and 16 rebounds. Bobby Portis had 19 points (7-15 FG) and six rebounds while AJ Green had 12 points off the bench (4-6 3PT) and Andre Jackson Jr. impressed in his first start for the franchise with seven points (3-4 FG) and four steals.

The Jazz were led by Jordan Clarkson’s 18 points (5-11 FG), while Collin Sexton scored 14 points (5-12 FG) and had seven assists. Jonny Juzang scored a solid 12 points (4-6 FG), but Lauri Markkanen scored a woeful eight points (3-10 FG) and was benched late in the game.

Here are our major takeaways from the Bucks getting a win under their belts.

Damian Lillard Is On Fire

Damian Lillard’s first season with the Bucks led to mixed reactions from everyone, as he didn’t appear to be the difference-making offensive force to help the Bucks return to contention. With those concerns being exacerbated through the first few games of the season, Lillard has shut his critics up with an excellent spell of performances over the last three games.

Tonight’s 34 points come in addition to Lillard’s 41 points and 36 points in the Bucks back-to-back losses to the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, with the second performance coming without Giannis on the court with him. Lillard looks to be in demonstrably better shape than last season and is playing with defensive focus while ensuring his offensive output is similar to what we saw from him in Portland.

He’s shooting 52.9% from the field and 54.3% from three over the last three games, which are wholly unsustainable from a small guard like Lillard. But if he can be a reliably high-octane perimeter scorer while complementing Giannis’ high-usage style of play, the Bucks can easily climb back up to a top-four seed in a weak East this season.

Trust The Youth

Doc Rivers finally relented on his strategy of relying on veteran players by giving two talented youngsters on the Bucks a lot of playing time tonight. Andre Jackson Jr. was drafted with the 36th pick in the 2023 Draft and started his first game for the franchise tonight, putting in a solid seven points, three rebounds, four assists, and four steals as a low-volume but efficient shooter with high-level defensive instincts.

Alongside Jackson, AJ Green received solid minutes off the bench (18 minutes) and proved to be the shooter they hoped Gary Trent Jr. would be, scoring 12 quick points while only attempting threes. Green is shooting 60.0% from three this season and is bound to get more minutes after both he and Jackson usurped Trent Jr. from the rotation tonight with Trent playing just seven minutes. 

Both young guards also played more minutes than 2021 Champion Pat Connaughton (16 minutes). With more options like defensive ace MarJon Beauchamp also on the bench, the Bucks might have no other choice but to trust these players over misfiring summer signings Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince.

Second-Half Masterclass

This win was built on the backs of an incredible second-half performance by the Bucks, entering halftime with a four-point deficit. The game was close enough for a regular performance by the Bucks to still seal the win, but how they took over the second half was incredibly notable.

The Jazz scored just 39 points in the third and fourth quarters while the Bucks put up 66 points in that same period. For context, just Lillard, Giannis, and Bobby Portis Jr. combined to score 43 points in the second half. 

The Bucks as a whole shot 43-84 from the field and 15-35 from three. They were incredibly strong defensively as well, forcing the Jazz to commit 20 turnovers compared to their 10 over the course of the game. 

The second half will fill the Bucks with momentum as they get ready for a crucial road clash against the New York Knicks, while the 1-7 Jazz will hope to bounce back when they face the San Antonio Spurs on the road as well.

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