2018 NBA Summer League - Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks Recap

The Milwaukee Bucks looked to continue their winning ways in Summer League with their second game this session against the Dallas Mavericks. It didn’t start off great with news that first round pick Donte DiVincenzo unable to play once again due to a groin injury.

Like the last game, his presence wasn’t missed as Milwaukee was able to get out to a fast start leading 15-4 early. Dallas was able to come back and it was a back and forth game throughout the remainder of the contest. Despite a hot shooting night, Milwaukee wasn’t able to grind out a W losing 81-78.

Sterling Brown took over the second half finishing with 14 points and 7 rebounds. D.J. Wilson was able to contribute 7 points and 7 rebounds and Christian Wood followed up Friday’s big night with a 10-point, 10-board evening. Travis Trice led the Bucks with 16 points.

Bonus Bucks Bits

• Milwaukee started the game hot shooting 66% from three. It wasn’t sustainable but to see Milwaukee take threes with no hesitation was encouraging. Yes, it is only Summer League, but after the last few seasons where Milwaukee was restricted at times from shooting the three ball it is encouraging. Barnett was the hot shooter hitting 3-5 from three earlier in the game.

• Dennis Smith Jr was active the majority of the game. Going in, I felt like he was someone who was too good to be participating in Summer League. The Bucks did a good job defending him as he only scored 10 points in a little over two quarters shooting an inefficient 4-14.
• Milwaukee’s NBA players each played well. D.J. Wilson in the first half filled the stat sheet, that actually worked, scoring seven points, five rebounds, and three assists. He could stop taking the one step inside the three-point line jumper, but that’s my biggest negative. Sterling Brown started the game quietly but in the third quarter, he particularly took over by hitting some jumpers and slamming down some dunks.

• After a breakout game, on Friday, it unfortunately wasn’t a second successful night for Christian Wood. The big man was able to get 10 points and 10 boards; but Wood shot just 5-12 and was overpowered by the Mavericks Motley. The lack of non calls also made things difficult for him to develop a rhythm.

I would still want Milwaukee to take a chance on Wood but that might be a tad tougher with the signing of Brook Lopez.