Bucks 105, Raptors 99: Brandon Jennings Still Off His Game, But Milwaukee Rights The Ship
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 3:16 AM CST
in Recaps
Email
PrintBrandon Jennings still didn't look himself, and managed just 11 points on 3-12 shooting to go with 4 assists and 3 turnovers, but the Milwaukee Bucks still ended a painful three-game losing streak by knocking off the Toronto Raptors, 105-99. The offense leaned on 48 percent three point shooting (12-25) to overcome a poor performance in the paint -- they were just 30 points on 15-31 shooting in the lane, with just 10 of those coming in the second half -- while the defense played well enough to win when it mattered most.
A win over the Bargnani-less Raptors isn't exactly a feat fit to override a recent string of disappointing losses to the Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns, but any road win is worthy of praise in the NBA. That theory goes double for a Bucks team that improved to 4-10 away from the Bradley Center so far this season.
The method for success in this win is hard to pin down, and for most of the game it felt like they didn't even deserve the victory. That's not to say the Raptors necessarily earned anything special on their end, but rather to point out that the game didn't really feel like it produced a winner. In many ways, the Bucks simply played well enough to not lose on Wednesday night. They committed more turnovers than the Raptors (19-14), dished out less assists (20-27), scored fewer points in the paint (30-40) and generated a deficit in fast break points (10-19). A three-point explosion by Carlos Delfino and a strong first half from Mike Dunleavy saved the day.
Dunleavy came out firing in the early action, scoring 16 of his 18 points before the intermission, while Delfino saved 17 of his team-high 25 points and four of his six made threes for a second half surge that put the game away. Drew Gooden continued his parade of really cool raw stats, really bad interior defense and really interesting decision-making by adding 20 points, 14 rebounds and six turnovers. Gooden has been feasting on that 18-foot pick-and-pop jumper that teams seem content to let him shoot since Bogut went down, but on this night he did most of his damage from the interior and on the line. That said, he still shot a healthy 3-5 from mid-range and beyond.
Brandon Jennings didn't look quite as disaffected as he did against the Suns on Tuesday night, but he certainly managed to lose the point guard battle against his counterpart again. He scored zero points in the first quarter on 0-3 shooting while Jose Calderon dished out 6 assists and added 5 early points, and only managed two points before the half. In fact, Jennings was 1-8 for three points entering the fourth quarter, but managed to salvage the night a bit near the end by hitting three of the six free throw attempts he saw during the late-game chase and foul routine by the Raptors.
It looked a bit better from the effort and mental engagement standpoint, but not much. Neither Jennings nor the Bucks are out of the woods on this one yet. If the situation has anything to do with Stephen Jackson, at least it isn't affecting his play. After to returning to the lineup against the Suns and providing 12 points and 4 assists (we won't talk about the failure to get off the last shot), S-Jax followed it up with 17 points on 6-11 shooting to go with 4 rebounds and 3 assists. To see the veteran respond to Coach's Decision - DNPs with more focused efforts is refreshing either because it pumps up his value on the trade market or because it makes him a serviceable option for the team moving forward. In any case, the development is welcome.
DeMar DeRozan did most of the damage for the Raptors with 25 points on 9-18 shooting, while Jose Calderon kept the offense humming along by distributing 15 assists on the night (more than all the Bucks starters combined). The only other impressive moment from a Raptors player came when James Johnson sliced down the lane on a third quarter dribble drive and buggy whipped a right-handed dunk around the outstretched hand of Drew Gooden. Any time the home crowd in Toronto wakes up is noteworthy, right?
The Raptors couldn't really capitalize on another meh third quarter by the Bucks, and then Carlos Delfino poured in 11 points in the fourth quarter to put the game away for good. It's anybody's guess what the Bucks do next, and that could easily be a reference to the trade market or the on-court action, but I will leave that last bit up to the reader.
67 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Not enjoying watching the team at present
Really seems to be a lack of energy out there. Skiles substitutions seem as inconsistent as ever. Leuer seems absolutely lost.
I'm with Frank
I’m not for tanking, but playing our young guys makes way more sense than just getting W’s. How is the team to know what they have in Leuer and Tobias when they play a combined 5 minutes? Those guys should be on the floor a minimum of 25 minutes a game right now.
Drew Gooden continued his parade of really cool raw stats, really bad interior defense and really interesting decision
Well played Mr. Van Horn.
anyone have any insight on why Delfino starts, plays like 10 minutes in the first quarter, and then is relegated to the bench until the second half? Seems like he is the only starter that gets this treatment.
Let me introduce you to Shaun Livingston...
It’s almost as though Skiles uses the starting job as a way to “pay off” Livingston and Delfino for not getting the crunchtime minutes.
by Frank Madden on Feb 9, 2012 10:42 AM CST up reply actions
Similar to Bogans in Chicago
But he really isn’t hungry on offense, but he doesn’t shoot us out of games, either.
by toasterrebound on Feb 9, 2012 6:08 PM CST up reply actions
Rights the ship, eh?
OK. As a reader, I can accept that.
As long as I think of the ship as only medium in size. As only half full of cargo. Under only half sail. As sailing for a not very distant port where things are so ordinary that many ships skip it and sail farther on to places that do commerce in more exotic items.
Far be it from me to complain. I was OK watching that game on DVR. Didn’t fall asleep, though my attention wandered. I was OK and appreciative of the vets who had nice games to fuel our OK effort. You know, the ones who don’t always get much pub ‘cuz they don’t usually deserve it. Glad they had their chance to shine against opponents no “bigger” than they were. Glad to see our young players look comfortable on the bench. Rooting for the team like plucky young lads determined to remain plucky.
Thought Jackson looked very intentional — whatever that means. Especially for a foreigner. He seemed perfect in observing the court’s restraining order forbidding him to have contact with Bucks young PG Jennings. Ersan didn’t make a single mistake, didn’t even pump fake. Wasn’t traded after the game, thus reasserting the verity that spasms can be spasms, damn it. Words from our medical staff on high aren’t always lies. Jennings was passably close to OK, which is not bad under the circumstances — whatever the hell those circumstances may be.
Gooden continues to amaze. How a man can hold his own, even dominate our offense, playing with a mind that has been clinically proven to exist only in the present is astounding. No past. No anticipation of the future. Just NOW. Full of manifold options that alter and illuminate our viewing. You can’t say he’s bad (on offense). You can’t say he’s good. It’s best to “join him” in floating above the game, not saying anything at all. It’s like watching a slot machine in action. In the long run, it takes your money. But along the way there are surprises. High fives. There’s a joy to Gooden when he’s energized into a game that I dig. Wish it was contagious to his mates. But the circumstances make that difficult. The great Wallace Stevens said “the natives of the rain are rainy men.”
I was OK with last night’s game. But I’m glad there is none today. Being OK with the Bucks takes energy. I plan to pace myself.
by unklchuk on Feb 9, 2012 9:43 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Being OK with the Bucks takes energy. I plan to pace myself.
Beautiful.
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:30 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Got the feeling something is going down today
Might be:
1. Firing
2. Trade
3. Public Statement
4. Suspension
It’s just too quiet…………………………..pin drop
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
I choose not to admit how often I get that feeling with the Bucks. And how often my feeling is wrong. I give yours a higher chance.
I think others are pacing themselves, too. Silently. I suppose voting No with one’s feet is stronger than my voting Soso with my words.
Not sure “too quiet” applies normally when the owner is a Senator. Senators (other than the mouthpiece ones) seem to practice quiet followed by inaction and more quiet.
Well, apparently Jennings is appearing on Jim Rome today
Presumably he’ll say nothing, as that’s been the trend over the last week. Maybe he’ll be somewhat engaging without saying anything scary (what we’ve often gotten from him over last couple years)…that would be nice.
And 2% chance he announces that he and Jax are getting an apartment together in L.A. in anticipation of forcing joint trade to Lakers with Dwight Howard…
by Frank Madden on Feb 9, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
1. I’d make a lousy negotiator. When things drag on and on, I get to the point where any decision is better than more procrastination. Your two percenter doesn’t sound that terrible. I’d watch that team, and regular TV would give me plenty of chances. David Stern would be so happy (Lakers vs Heat/Bulls!!!) that he’d likely give us a big jump in the draft lottery.
2. I’ve shot my wad on Gooden. Keep him. (Current management will, I feel.) Trade him. (Probably does little but remove the contract; would we use the space well?) Make him an Energee girl? (Don’t think he could stay in step with the others, but his energy would be captivating. And, with those flashing eyes and delighted smile, he’d be cute in a wig. [And I wouldn’t be surprised if he hasn’t worn a wig once or twice in Vegas — for entertainment purposes, not to show any gender affiliation.])
If I thought the Bucks had a “fate,” then I’d be more inclined to care what they do with Gooden.
Chuk
maybe not the greatest choice of words
I’ve shot my wad on Gooden
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Changing the subject. I’m off to the DVR to find Jim Rome and set it to record him. Gonna look at ESPN. If he’s buried in some minor channel, someone might clue me in.
Moved to CBS recently.
You’d be looking on ESPN for a long time.
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 11:24 AM CST up reply actions
Not on my CBS
Is there a secondary CBS station?
Maybe the locals think it’s too not-our-market. Checked the local CBS from 11:30 to 11:30 tomorrow morn. Nope. Had the DVR search for sports shows. It found 500. I scrolled through 500, five at a time. Nope.
Not meant to be. Will get my info here and RGM.
Thanks.
Yup. That distracted me from the rest of the post.
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 12:16 PM CST up reply actions
Ya kind of unnerving
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
But at least we can all relate?
…right, guys?
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
Don't tell me Hammond
Is pursuing my Gooden, Jackson, Jennings for Gasol, one of the rookie guards(morris or Goudelock)and either Dallas’ first or both of them.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
EW EW EW PLEASE GOD NO
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:32 PM CST up reply actions
Gooden
I had been hoping he could have a bounce-back year, though admittedly not in a Bogut-is-out-so-play-center-and-do-whatever-you-want kind of way. Whatever the case, there’s value in him being statistically productive for the same reasons Steve cited about Jax. If he continues to pile up these kinds of numbers (17.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 49% shooting as a starter) he might actually become tradeable, though the flip side is that it could also convince management he’s simply living up to the contract they so wisely* gave him in the first place. I’m hoping it’s the former and not the latter, though my guess is that Gooden won’t be traded during the season unless things go REALLY South.
Gosh
I do really hope your wrong on that. I really want to see Gooden go
Why
No way we score 100 points a game without him. Defense with Bogut only slightly better.
by toasterrebound on Feb 9, 2012 5:33 PM CST up reply actions
The offense defense argument is interesting
last year a lot of our games were in the 80s and 90s, this year a lot have gone over 100. Does it matter? If you can get a stop at crunch time i say no but that hasn’t been working well has it. I always question Skiles for not using as many situational subs as other coaches seem to.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
We still need Sanders to block some shots
Defense is important but overrated. Our last great team in 2001 played zeroD but could shoot the lights out. Bogut looked better on offense last year shooting with his left hand.
by toasterrebound on Feb 9, 2012 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
Hammonds Status?
A few threads back I thought I had read in one of these pieces that an “insiders insider…had word that Kohl was not happy with Hammonds? Can anyone expound on this if indeed there is anything to expound upon? In a related issue. It is understood that both Ersan and Carlos are playing with expiring contracts. Per usual, there as been little stated regarding their status relative to staying or leaving? I try to imagine this team without Ersan’s game, and who’ll pick up his ‘tool belt’ of ’those other things players do”? Any thoughts on their status would also be welcome.
You know, for a professional organization,
it sure is quiet around here relative to all these concerns.
Or, is it just me?
Re: Kohl was not happy with Hammonds
RGM has a poster who shares things he says come from inside the organization. I didn’t call him an “insiders insider” — on the contrary I called him a semi-insider since I have no way to judge the merit of what he says. Could be golden, could be lead.
He said Kohl is unhappy with Hammond.
Another poster who also claims to know some insiders added that no one likes Hammond. Not coaches, not owner, not players, not staff. If I have the details reasonably right, one of them said Hammond and Skiles had had a very vigorous meeting arguing over the controversial vets: Jackson, Gooden, etc.
So that could be some evidence that a major move might happen. Or not. Re the quiet, Kohl is not an outgoing kind of guy. His team tends to not share much. I wouldn’t read much into that silence.
I'm kind of hoping that Kohl will
pull a Mike Ilitch (Tigers owner).
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 12:22 PM CST up reply actions
Boylan on Jennings/Jackson/Gooden/rookies
From WSSP: http://podcast.sportsradio1250.com/wssp2/3307870.mp3
No bombshells, but there’s a lot that can be read between the lines.
Boylan said Jennings let some things get to him. Didn't elaborate or link Jackson issue specifically, but did he Brandon needs to compete better on the defensive end.
Said something like “we ask our point guards to compete hard on the defensive end, when the team sees good pressure at the top, it fuels the rest of the defense.” [paraphrasing]
With regards to Jackson, said he wasn’t meeting the expectations of the system put in place by Skiles and the staff. I assume that would mean defensively, but maybe he’s breaking plays on offense too. In any case, he said Jackson was not playing up to the demands of the system, but can always work his way back in.
Coaching staff “definitely bothered” with Jackson and Jennings attending the Ballers, Bottles and Models party that in Toronto after the Suns game, but noted that Jackson was the first one to meetings before the Raptors game. Still said that you have to be ready, and if you aren’t ready due to outside influences, something needs to happen and the issue is addressed by the staff.
Gooden at C is referred to as a double-edged sword (no surprises there). Staff liked the small-ball lineup they tried last night to spread the defense.
Rookies: rotations are just a “feel thing” for Skiles, so that’s why minutes are inconsistent for Leuer and Harris. Not much to see here, kinda just glossed over. Said “their opportunities are there.”
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Regarding Jackson, he also said the Bucks have some expectations of players that other teams might not have…Steve, I kind of felt like Boylan was getting at off-the-court stuff there, but it can be interpreted either or both ways.
True, I can see that being the implication too.
The Bucks have higher standards than the Charlotte Bobcats in some respect, we know that much. Yay?
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
I listened and heard a lot about the "system"
That always gives me caution …..that flexibility thing we have often discussed. Not making any conclusions, but….
The system that's been oh so successful
Oh wait……
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Program that is proven to
Fill in the blank______________________________?
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Funny how at the beginning of the season
Iman Shumpert was the toast of the town in NY, now he’s passe and it’s Jeremy Lin now. Wonder what Jeremy’s shelf life is, until Melo is back?
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Lin reminds me of Sessions
Bigger PG, underestimated as an athlete, pretty good vision, not much of a shooter, very shifty in the lane and able to get his shot down there thanks to combo of savvy/size/athleticism.
So will it be BJ vs. Sessions tomorrow
Or has Irving been cleared?
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Still concussion symptoms
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 2:03 PM CST up reply actions
I meant to say
A hopefully inspired BJ
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
It's always good to have an inspired BJ
by Superelkman on Feb 9, 2012 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Gotta rec that :)
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
HEYOOOOO
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:35 PM CST up reply actions
I wonder what happens when the defense goes under the pick-and-roll screen.
Can he shoot? Teams will make him prove it sooner or later. Interesting to see what happens.
SB Nation Brew Hoop - Editor | SB Nation Midwest - News Desk Contributor | SB Nation Chicago - Writer | SB Nation Basketball - Scores & More | Twitter: @stevevonhorn
by Steve von Horn on Feb 9, 2012 2:04 PM CST up reply actions
just to segue a bit
Anyone seen Arnett Moultrie enough to form an opinion on his future. I’d really like to see us upgrade PF and SG next year. I know he may be out of our reach but I hadn’t heard much about him before.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
BJ on Jim Rome
Jim Rome’s TV show isn’t on again till April, he’s interviewing BJ on his radio show which is over by now. Sometimes Rome posts links to interview snippets on his Twitter. If anyone happened to listen to the interview or know a place to find the whole thing should post it on here. I’d like to know what BJ had to say.
http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=1159656&sid=18d4909942ee6c129576857ac248fc02
A RGM thread on just that. Here’s a taste:
Just turned on Rome and Jennings is being interview. First question I heard was about Skiles and Jennings basically gave Skiles all the credit for his development. He also said the reason the team has been struggling is because he has not has been playing that well. He pretty much is taking the blame.
Guh, that doesn't tell us anything
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:36 PM CST up reply actions
Real Gm said
He was very complimentary too Skiles and he was taking the blame for the team’s performance saying that he had sucked. My mind says that Skiles blasted him after getting toasted by Rose and it deflated him a bit. Hopefully that’s it.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Again, he's 21.
There is certainly a fine line between constructive and destructive criticism. Although, like I said somewhere before, the PHX announcers were saying that Skiles and BJ worked out together a lot during the lockout. I like that.
...BRANDONJENNINGSSUX!!!
by TwoShoesMcGooze on Feb 9, 2012 2:53 PM CST up reply actions
Hopefully we see the BJ
That’s full of bravado tomorrow
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
AKA DR. SWAG SWAGALICIOUS MCSWAGERSON
http://twitter.com/WhalesLarry ...but only if you want to see someone still trying to figure Twitter out.
by Mitchell Maurer on Feb 9, 2012 5:36 PM CST up reply actions
You know that post
Was for you doncha
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
I wonder if Maslow when creating his Heirarchy of needs
Had to flip a coin to decide between “self-actualization” and “swag”
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Thanks guys
I really think he just had a few bad games. And maybe it was like Jim Paschke said last night, maybe he had heard through the NBA “grapevine” that was he snubbed from the All-Star game and it really bummed him out. Who knows
I didn't hear Paschke's comment...
But based on everything we know about Jennings, that just makes zero sense to me. Jennings has always seemed to prefer playing with a chip on his shoulder…why would you stop playing hard for your team because other teams’ coaches didn’t pick you for the all-star game? Bizarre.
The chip got knocked off
I remember in 1973 Dandridge made the team over Bob Love. The next game with the Bulls, Love scored 49. But maybe BJ got depressed instead of angry.
by toasterrebound on Feb 9, 2012 5:57 PM CST up reply actions
Don't you love it when
The story doesn’t quite live up to the title.
"He always plays like he's a pit bull that hasn't been fed in about a year and that you've got pork chops in your pockets and that's the basketball." Of course, he's Canadian
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
NBA Playoffs Content Module
Related FanPosts on Brew Hoop
Related FanShots on Brew Hoop
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
SBNation.com Recent Stories
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- C-a-C: This is probably as close to LeBron James working with John Waters as we’ll ever get
- Dwyane Wade’s hot pink pants: The kind of thing you can get away with when you drop 41
- Lamar Odom to New York? Dwight Howard on the move? For now, it’s all talk
- David West hilariously denies each and every one of his young fans a high-five (VIDEO)
- Behind the Box Score, where the Miami Heat are moving on to the conference finals
