Game Thread 6: Nuggets/Bucks
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 5:27 PM CST
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PrintDenver Nuggets at Milwaukee Bucks, Nov 11, 2009 7:00 PM CST
| 2009/2010 NBA Seaso | ||
|---|---|---|
|
|
@ |  |
| 6-2 (4-2 road) | 3-2 (2-0 home) |
|
| November 11th, 2009 | ||
| Bradley Center |
||
| 7:00 PM | ||
| Radio: 620 WTMJ TV: FS Wisconsin |
||
| Probable starters: | ||
| Chauncey Billups |
PG | Brandon Jennings |
| Aron Afflalo |
SG | Charlie Bell |
| Carmelo Anthony |
SF | Carlos Delfino |
| Kenyon Martin |
PF | Hakim Warrick |
| Nene |
C | Andrew Bogut |
| (4th) 112.5 - OFFENSE - 96.5 (28th) |
||
| (18th) 107.8 - DEFENSE - 91.0 (1st) |
||
| (8th) 95.0 - PACE - 93.7 (12th) |
||
Notes after the jump...
Defense, Defense, Defense
It's no secret what's winning games for the Bucks right now. And contrary to what Clyde Frazier suggested during MSG's broadcast of the Knicks/Bucks game on Saturday, their strong defensive stats are not merely the product of a slow pace. In fact, their efficiency stats are slightly better than their raw numbers at the moment because of their above average pace. Consider (most stats from Knickerblogger as of yesterday):
- The Bucks rank 1st in the NBA in defensive efficiency (91.0 pts/100 possessions), the cleanest way to measure defense while controlling for pace (where the 12th-ranked Bucks are also above average by the way).
- Since efficiency stats still seem to be too new age for the mainstream, you'll also be pleased to know the Bucks are second in eFG% allowed (45.4%). Note that while the Bucks were smack dab in the middle of the league in efficiency last year, they weren't particularly good in fg% allowed a year ago.
- And if for some reason you still prefer points per game allowed, they're second in that department, too (85.2 ppg).
Jennings' biggest test yet. Up until now Jennings has faced a slew of quality young PGs (Rose, Lou Williams, Jonny Flynn, Rodney Stuckey) and Chris Duhon. So while Jennings has impressed through five games, he's yet to face anyone with Chauncey Billups' credentials (an injury-slowed Derrick Rose doesn't count), and it's not just Billups' street cred that worries you. Billups' ability to use his size and strength in the post could be a major issue for the slightly built rookie, and Scott Skiles told Jim Paschke that they'll probably give help at times on both Billups and Carmelo Anthony, who oh by the way is averaging 30 ppg and can also kill you from the post.
In Vegas, Jennings struggled against Tyreke Evans in the post before he started fronting more effectively, and he also used his speed to create problems against the bigger Evans on the other end. He'll need to do the same to hang with Billups, who is averaging 19.4 ppg and 5.3 apg while continuing to score efficiently (58.1 TS%).
Up North. Check out upnorthfan's take on the matchup in the fanposts.
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This Is When Seasons Are Forged
This game is the first huge test for the Bucks. Jennings faces not only the veteran savvy of Chauncy Billups, but Ty Lawson is proving to be a potent force off the bench. But this is huge for everybody. There is real potential for the Bucks to knock off a Finals contender in a vulnerable position; Denver is coming off an emotional win in Chicago that went to the last possession and the Bucks have had three nights to prepare. If the Bucks beat Denver tonight and have a strong homestand, we’ll be impossible to ignore. This is where it all begins.
Would be great to get some early momentum. BC has been rocking and it’d be great to keep it going.
I don’t like the matchups—‘Melo is tough for anyone and Billups and Nene are going to be tough for BJ3/Bogut—but you never know. We’ve split the season series the past two years, though last year’s win was all CV/Sessions.
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
I like the Bogut-Nene matchup. Bogues has been absolutely killing smaller guys all year. I’m also looking for Meeks and possibly Warrick to go off against their older, less defensive counterparts.
And you are correct
Neither Nene nor Andersen have answer so far.
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 7:36 PM CST up reply actions
I guess it was a long two. Man, I wish I could watch this game.
by MadTown Hoops on Nov 11, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions
I would like to congratulate you on your win tonight.
Thank you. :)
-Portland Trailblazer fans
P.S. Jennings is looking really god for you guys. Rookie of the Year if he keeps this up?
πάτερ, ἄφες αὐτοῖς, οὐ γὰρ οἴδασιν τί ποιοῦσιν.
Er, good, not god.
Though I can see why you might wish to deify him right away. :p
πάτερ, ἄφες αὐτοῖς, οὐ γὰρ οἴδασιν τί ποιοῦσιν.
Trade
Jennings for Rose?
Eh? Eh?
I support the Tornado Release ... and Young Bucks.
Awesome win! Jennings is for real! Bogut is who we thought he could be! We just beat a healthy contender with our number one guy out and a rookie leading the team. Scott Skiles is a hell of a coach.
TRUE.
It’s kind of funny because any time we beat a team their fans are probably going to complain about how they just played down to us, couldn’t make open shots, whatever. Might be a while before anyone respects the Bucks, but who cares. The guys are playing hard, playing smart, and earning their luck.
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 10:27 PM CST up reply actions
Denver Thuggets.....Rudy Gay a Buck?
Melo was acting like a b***h when Bogut wrapped him up, it wasn’t even a hard foul. K Mart on the other hand got grabbed by Charlie “Do my Job” Bell and had legit beef with the refs. All in all, nice to see them hold on for a sweet victory. Nice hustle from Jodie Meeks on stuffing Ty Lawson’s easy layup.
Also, I saw that the Grizz didnt sign Rudy Gay to an extension so he will be a free agent at years end. Any thoughts on him being getting signed by the team, especially if Redd is traded away. I mean the 3 spot production has been decent, but we need a long term solution.
wooo hooo, haven’t been this excited in a long time! Great win! Long live Brew Hoop!
Big thank-you's to Vin Baker, Shawn Respert, Tractor Traylor, and Anthony Mason; you ruined my childhood.
Your signature
Is exactly why we deserve a little more of this…gotta keep the momentum going.
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
How about Ersan?
All the talk’s going to be about BJ3/Bogut (understandably), but dude’s really starting to bring it. Let’s hope this is the start of something big.
We have so many cheap, versatile guys who can bring it in different circumstances every couple of nights. It’s icing if Ilyasova, Warrick, Meeks or Delfino emerges as a force. That might be happening with Ersan, which would be extra sweet because we have him for three years for cheap and he has a really nice skillset.
by MadTown Hoops on Nov 11, 2009 10:43 PM CST up reply actions
And best game of the season for Luc
Still can’t shoot but worked his ass off all night. Pretty much sums up the team I guess…
Great to see the Bucks having a Good start
First post here, Aussie fan here who had to pretty much watch the last 2 years via highlights and there werent too many of them. Great to see Bogut playing so well and BJ lighting it up. following the Bucks has been pretty painful and the Packers the last few years just as much but nice to see a bit of hope on the horizon from these young Bucks.
Go Bucks
Welcome!
Can’t say enough about Jennings…if you had told me he’d start his career like this I would have called you crazy, but I couldn’t be happier about it.
Is it weird that I’m nervous about Redd getting back into the lineup at some point?
by Frank Madden on Nov 11, 2009 11:32 PM CST up reply actions
It’s not weird, I feel similarly. I guess we’ll finally see if he fits in as a third option on a good team after all.
by MadTown Hoops on Nov 12, 2009 1:17 AM CST up reply actions
Ha!
We need him to get back and playing productively if only so we can trade him….not sure how likely that is at this point.
Btw, you were spot on about the Nene/Bogut matchup. I shouldn’t worry so much…
by Frank Madden on Nov 12, 2009 1:50 AM CST up reply actions
The Bucks Are Awesome
and are my third favorite NBA team behind the Jazz and Mavs! I was pleased to see Andrew Bogut (we love him in Utah!) do a magnificent job, while Brandon Jennings continues to assert himself as the real deal. Keep up the good work Bucks! Who thought you’d be 4-2 at this point of the season?
Brad James
by the Bradfather on Nov 12, 2009 12:37 AM CST reply actions
I think we’ve been first in the central at some point after 5-10 games each of the past two season. In other words, I’m still paranoid as s***.
by Frank Madden on Nov 12, 2009 1:47 AM CST up reply actions
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