Game Grades: Bucks at Spurs (1/10/17)

[FkLA]

Spurs let another winnable game slip away. Held a lead and looked in control for most of the game. The offense was there, and outside of Paddy and Manu, everybody on the team who played had atleast a decent game. There's been games when the defense has looked dreadful, and you can point to that as the culprit for a loss but I actually didn't think that was the case today either. I think you just have to give Milwaukee some credit. They're a talented team that didn't fold when the Spurs looked like they were on their way to another dominant win at home. Outside of Enrique's antics, it was an enjoyable, well played game despite the loss imo.



Pau Gasol - C
6 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists on 3-9 shooting (28 mins)

Decent game from Pau. Missed some shots, including a wide open 15 footer from the baseline with under a minute left but he did have some nice moves in the post and had a solid rebounding night. Even decided to hustle a little by chasing down a couple of offensive rebounds. Milwaukee doesn’t have speedy guards so his horrible defense didn’t rear it’s ugly head as often today imo.



David Lee – B-
10 points, 7 rebounds on 5-6 shooting (26 mins)

Another workman-like outing from Lee. There’s really not much to analyze about a David Lee game. Dude goes out there and plays hard. His defense is what it is but overall he’s still been a net positive all season long.



Kawhi Leonard – A
30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks on 10-16 shooting (34 mins)

Just a two-way monster. He looked like a man amongst boys against both Parker and Giannis before he was pulled for the night. The Greek Freak was under the weather but you still have to admire Kawhi’s compe iveness when going up against other elite wings. He consistently wins those head to head match-ups. You also have to love his unselfishness. Had it going in the fourth quarter, and yet still set-up Danny Green’s go ahead three and Manu’s clank late in the game. It’s refreshing to see that sort of unselfishness from a star player after years of heroball from a certain PG on the team. The bad foul on Milwaukee's halfcourt heave to end the 1^st half is the only blemish in an otherwise stellar night, tbh.



Danny Green - B-
14 points, 3 rebounds on 5-12 shooting (26 mins)

Another solid outing from LDN. 4-9 from behind the arc, including a go ahead 3 with a minute left in the game. Even had a drive that ended with a made lay-up. He did get worked by Beasley but tbf that is a tough match-up for him. Overall, LDN did his job tonight imo.



Tony “Enrique” Porker - D+
14 points, 7 assists on 7-15 shooting (33 mins)

I’m going to try to be objective here. Numbers wise, he had a solid game. Unfortunately, he was also Milwaukee’s best defender against Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi had 11 points in the first four minutes of the 2^nd Quarter. With about 8 minutes remaining in the quarter, Enrique entered the game. Kawhi didn’t attempt a FG the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile Enrique had 7 FGAs in the last 3 mins 30 secs of the half. There were also possessions down the stretch in the 4^th Quarter where he literally didn’t even look in Kawhi’s direction. I don’t think it’s a matter of him disliking Kawhi, as much as it's him just wanting the spotlight to be on him. He loves playing hero. It’s who he’s always been, unfortunately. Worst +/- for the starters, and second worst overall.



Manu Ginobili - F-
3 points, 1 assist on 1-6 shooting (15 mins)

There are games when Manu looks possessed and there are games when he looks like a 50 year old. Today he looked like a 75 year old. He was a complete disaster outside of his buzzer beater to end the 3^rd Quarter. Sloppy passing, poor shooting, and a lot of swiping on defense sums up his night pretty well. His game-winning attempt was laughable, as was his attempt to end the 1^st Quarter. I also think someone has to say it--the old man has a tendency to catch Enrique’s heroitis at the end of quarters. He takes way too many bad shots at the end of quarters for a man his age. He had the worst +/- on the team tonight.



Jonathan Simmons – B
14 points on 5-8 shooting (23 mins)

I’ve been on the Juice wagon for a while. I hate to use this as an opportunity to take a shot at Fathead, but all the time and resources used trying to develop him should’ve been used on Simmons. It’s so obvious that he brings so much more to the table. He’s made some progression and his confidence is growing. Hopefully he can start hitting that corner three consistently.



Dewayne Dedmon – C-
5 points, 7 rebs, 1 block on 2-6 shooting (20 mins)

After seeing him defend guys like Cousins really well it was a little surprising that he looked overwhelmed by Moose Monroe at times. Tbf, similar to Danny/Beasley, this was also a tough cover as Monroe has been playing really well lately. Overall, not his best game but still brought good energy. Liked that midrange jumper he knocked down.



Davis Bertans - B+
11 points, 2 assists, 0 rebounds on 4-7 shooting (19 mins)

Love me some Bertans. The kid needs more minutes. We all knew he was a sharpshooter but he is also starting to show that he is an underrated playmaker off the dribble. Set-up Simmons a couple of times IIRC and also got Pau a wide open shot late in the 4^th Qtr for a chance to take the lead. His length and athleticism gives him the potential to be a solid team defender. Loved that he pulled the trigger without hesitation there at the end. Had the best +/- on the team.



Paddy “MVPaddy” Mills – D-
0 points, 5 assists on 0-3 shooting (15 mins)

Since he’s been a rotation player, I honestly can’t remember the last time MVPaddy went scoreless in a game. His shot just didn’t look good tonight. He’s cooled off a little the past couple of week’s after looking like the best option at PG for the large majority of the season. Hopefully he can turn it around. His towel waving on the bench is still legendary though.



Pop – C
No head scratching moments from the GOAT today imo. He micromanages minutes and struggles to rein in our hero PG but that’s been a season long theme. Personally would’ve liked to have seen Bertans get the start, but if he drew up that three for Bertans in crunch time thumbs up for showing confidence in the young Latvian.

[DPG21920]

Knew this was coming. Thanks for trying, but you are going to have to go to summer school if you want to advance to the next grade.

[YGWHI]

Thanks for the grades!

Unfortunately, he was also Milwaukee’s best defender against Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi had 11 points in the first four minutes of the 2^nd Quarter. With about 8 minutes remaining in the quarter, Enrique entered the game. Kawhi didn’t attempt a FG the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile Enrique had 7 FGAs in the last 3 mins 30 secs of the half.
There were also possessions down the stretch in the 4^th Quarter where he literally didn’t even look in Kawhi’s direction.

I wonder how many other starting point guards in the league freeze the leading scorer that often...smh.

[DPG21920]

This is going to be a gambittt, FkLA, dabbom and Yghwhy circle thread.

[FkLA]

Why don't you share your take on Enrique freezing out Kawhi instead of whining, DPG?

[YGWHI]

This is going to be a gambittt, FkLA, dabbom and Yghwhy circle thread.

But you really don't find it weird that Kawhi doesn't take shots with Parker on the court?

Or Parker takes more shots than him?

The old PG taking more shots than the young leading scorer...

Is it really good for you?

Can't you see an issue there?

Because trolling Parker haters is one thing, saying that Parker taking 7 shots and Kawhi 0 is something positive or a strategy that the team can translate to playoffs success is a whole different story

[dabom]

Porker is washed up.

[dabom]

We can't hide him in the Playoffs.

[YGWHI]

We can't hide him in the Playoffs.

Doesn't matter.

Pop will play Kawhi less minutes than the opposite team star=Spurs will lose the series.

Pop will play Gasol more minutes than Dedmon= opposite team will feast on Pau in pick and rolls.

Pop will allow Parker to freeze Kawhi in whole quarters=Parker misses shots, only LMA scores, Kawhi is freezed, Spurs lose.

Pop will play Parker even when he shouldn't=opposite teams will attack and beat Parker=Spurs will lose

Pop will wait until game 6 in the series to make an adjustment=too late, Spurs will lose.

Pop will get outplayed by Doc, Donovan, D'Antoni, Kerr.

Basketball 101

[313]

Missed the game, thanks for the write up

edit: as far as Parker "freezing out" Kiwi, I think it's really on Pop. Parker has been Pop's whipping boy since forever, so I think it's reasonable to think if Pop demanded him to do something he'd listen.

[Snaq O'Meal]

Thanks for the grades!



I wonder how many other starting point guards in the league freeze the leading scorer that often...smh.

Westbrook perhaps?

[YGWHI]

Westbrook perhaps?

Not really. Only Parker in this season. Because Westbrook is the leading scorer on his team now.

[ElNono]

good writeup... I would've given Tony a higher grade though, IMO, tbh...

[Robz4000]

Would've been funnier if you gave Tony an F for fat imvho.

[siraulo23]

Pop D-

Put Kawhi on Beasley in the 4th quarter and its probably a W, try to break his rhythm and let others try to score when he's that hot

[BillMc]

Nice write up. Harsh on Parker, but that's no surprise.

Patty needs to step up. He doesn't have the defensive chops or playmaking skills to help out when his shot's not falling.

Simmons and Bertans may be our backup rotation of the future. I've changed my mind on Simmons and now want him back at the right price.

[SpursIndonesia]

good writeup... I would've given Tony a higher grade though, IMO, tbh...

Yeah, without the ty krew color glasses, there's no ing way TP is graded at the same level as Mills tonight, nada. B, C, whatever, certainly not a D.

[SnakeBoy]

Tony “Enrique” Porker - D+
14 points, 7 assists on 7-15 shooting (33 mins)

I’m going to try to be objective here. Numbers wise, he had a solid game.

you didn't try very hard

[ceperez]

Spurs let another winnable game slip away. Held a lead and looked in control for most of the game. The offense was there, and outside of Paddy and Manu, everybody on the team who played had atleast a decent game. There's been games when the defense has looked dreadful, and you can point to that as the culprit for a loss but I actually didn't think that was the case today either. I think you just have to give Milwaukee some credit. They're a talented team that didn't fold when the Spurs looked like they were on their way to another dominant win at home. Outside of Enrique's antics, it was an enjoyable, well played game despite the loss imo.



Pau Gasol - C
6 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists on 3-9 shooting (28 mins)

Decent game from Pau. Missed some shots, including a wide open 15 footer from the baseline with under a minute left but he did have some nice moves in the post and had a solid rebounding night. Even decided to hustle a little by chasing down a couple of offensive rebounds. Milwaukee doesn’t have speedy guards so his horrible defense didn’t rear it’s ugly head as often today imo.



David Lee – B-
10 points, 7 rebounds on 5-6 shooting (26 mins)

Another workman-like outing from Lee. There’s really not much to analyze about a David Lee game. Dude goes out there and plays hard. His defense is what it is but overall he’s still been a net positive all season long.



Kawhi Leonard – A
30 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks on 10-16 shooting (34 mins)

Just a two-way monster. He looked like a man amongst boys against both Parker and Giannis before he was pulled for the night. The Greek Freak was under the weather but you still have to admire Kawhi’s compe iveness when going up against other elite wings. He consistently wins those head to head match-ups. You also have to love his unselfishness. Had it going in the fourth quarter, and yet still set-up Danny Green’s go ahead three and Manu’s clank late in the game. It’s refreshing to see that sort of unselfishness from a star player after years of heroball from a certain PG on the team. The bad foul on Milwaukee's halfcourt heave to end the 1^st half is the only blemish in an otherwise stellar night, tbh.



Danny Green - B-
14 points, 3 rebounds on 5-12 shooting (26 mins)

Another solid outing from LDN. 4-9 from behind the arc, including a go ahead 3 with a minute left in the game. Even had a drive that ended with a made lay-up. He did get worked by Beasley but tbf that is a tough match-up for him. Overall, LDN did his job tonight imo.



Tony “Enrique” Porker - D+
14 points, 7 assists on 7-15 shooting (33 mins)

I’m going to try to be objective here. Numbers wise, he had a solid game. Unfortunately, he was also Milwaukee’s best defender against Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi had 11 points in the first four minutes of the 2^nd Quarter. With about 8 minutes remaining in the quarter, Enrique entered the game. Kawhi didn’t attempt a FG the rest of the quarter. Meanwhile Enrique had 7 FGAs in the last 3 mins 30 secs of the half. There were also possessions down the stretch in the 4^th Quarter where he literally didn’t even look in Kawhi’s direction. I don’t think it’s a matter of him disliking Kawhi, as much as it's him just wanting the spotlight to be on him. He loves playing hero. It’s who he’s always been, unfortunately. Worst +/- for the starters, and second worst overall.



Manu Ginobili - F-
3 points, 1 assist on 1-6 shooting (15 mins)

There are games when Manu looks possessed and there are games when he looks like a 50 year old. Today he looked like a 75 year old. He was a complete disaster outside of his buzzer beater to end the 3^rd Quarter. Sloppy passing, poor shooting, and a lot of swiping on defense sums up his night pretty well. His game-winning attempt was laughable, as was his attempt to end the 1^st Quarter. I also think someone has to say it--the old man has a tendency to catch Enrique’s heroitis at the end of quarters. He takes way too many bad shots at the end of quarters for a man his age. He had the worst +/- on the team tonight.



Jonathan Simmons – B
14 points on 5-8 shooting (23 mins)

I’ve been on the Juice wagon for a while. I hate to use this as an opportunity to take a shot at Fathead, but all the time and resources used trying to develop him should’ve been used on Simmons. It’s so obvious that he brings so much more to the table. He’s made some progression and his confidence is growing. Hopefully he can start hitting that corner three consistently.



Dewayne Dedmon – C-
5 points, 7 rebs, 1 block on 2-6 shooting (20 mins)

After seeing him defend guys like Cousins really well it was a little surprising that he looked overwhelmed by Moose Monroe at times. Tbf, similar to Danny/Beasley, this was also a tough cover as Monroe has been playing really well lately. Overall, not his best game but still brought good energy. Liked that midrange jumper he knocked down.



Davis Bertans - B+
11 points, 2 assists, 0 rebounds on 4-7 shooting (19 mins)

Love me some Bertans. The kid needs more minutes. We all knew he was a sharpshooter but he is also starting to show that he is an underrated playmaker off the dribble. Set-up Simmons a couple of times IIRC and also got Pau a wide open shot late in the 4^th Qtr for a chance to take the lead. His length and athleticism gives him the potential to be a solid team defender. Loved that he pulled the trigger without hesitation there at the end. Had the best +/- on the team.



Paddy “MVPaddy” Mills – D-
0 points, 5 assists on 0-3 shooting (15 mins)

Since he’s been a rotation player, I honestly can’t remember the last time MVPaddy went scoreless in a game. His shot just didn’t look good tonight. He’s cooled off a little the past couple of week’s after looking like the best option at PG for the large majority of the season. Hopefully he can turn it around. His towel waving on the bench is still legendary though.



Pop – C
No head scratching moments from the GOAT today imo. He micromanages minutes and struggles to rein in our hero PG but that’s been a season long theme. Personally would’ve liked to have seen Bertans get the start, but if he drew up that three for Bertans in crunch time thumbs up for showing confidence in the young Latvian.

Patty Mills has problems with long athletic teams. He just can't get a clean look so he ends up just being a liability in defense. Pop probably knows this by now.

I guess it is also the same with Parker, he can't penetrate if the defenders are just quick enough.

[cd98]

Grades a little biased. Mad at Parker for ignoring Kawhi in the second quarter, really? He gave up the ball to Kawhi down the stretch. Kawhi had 30 points. I don't think Parker got in the way. But way too high a grade for Davis. Yes, he did take and make some nice threes, but he was a big reason the Spurs coughed up a stable lead as he passed up open jumpers to force passes that were easily picked off for layups. He was a big part of SA losing this game. I'm glad he made some nice plays, but he was a C at best. I hope he continues to improve, but his hesitation to shoot and then turning it over do to his hesitation is frustrating.

[TheDoctor]

Thanks for the grades OP

[tenbeersbold]

Bucks are a tough team,minus Lamarcus it was gonna be tough no matter what,dude is a beast tbh

[Brazil]

D+
Full names except Tony Enrique Porker and MVPatty
credibility... not
haters specimen
trolling

[NameLess Scrub]

OP needs to self-impose posting without the Kawhi/Parker schtick .

Anyway, they lost. F to everybody.

Nah seriously, thanks for the effort.

[RD2191]

Great grades by OP. Agree with everything.