Milwaukee vs. Atlanta: Bucks Beat Shorthanded Hawks for First Summer League Win

Thankfully, the Atlanta Hawks didn’t have their 2019 draft selections around, allowing the Milwaukee Bucks to secure their first Summer League victory this summer, 89-83. Atlanta started out the first quarter shutting Milwaukee down completely, but the Bucks bounced back with some crisp ball movement and Matt Farrell punctuating his quarter with a triple and subsequent stare down. The Bucks trailed 27-24.

Today’s entry for worst bit of broadcaster dialogue came late in the second when Jared Greenberg asked Brendan Haywood, “How many apps do you think you have?” Haywood responded, “...Uh, I’m not sure, that’s a weird question.” Thank you Summer League. The Bucks hit the offensive grind in the second, ending the first half down 53-41. The third quarter was a foulfest that mercilessly ended with the Bucks down 68-62. Milwaukee finally came alive in the fourth period, breaking through with some solid transition plays and helping shut down the Hawks defensively. Ultimately, after some sloppy back-and-forth, the Bucks were able to prevail for their first Summer League victory.

Bonus Bucks Bits

D.J. Wilson sat out again with hamstring soreness. Fletcher Magee again didn’t make an appearance.

Atlanta was without all their 2019 draft selections today due to the trade that netted them Bruno Fernando and De’Andre Hunter not being made official yet. Cam Reddish was ruled out due to injury all of Summer League.

We got our first looks at Matt Farrell and Luke “He doesn’t look like a professional basketball player (Kyle Carr)” Maye today. They hopped off the bench first. Both managed to knock down some contested triples in the first, which was pleasing to see after an anemic offensive start. The rest...left a little to be desired, although Farrell showed a tight handle and shooting ability.

Omari Spellman can play, but holy lord could he use a little bit of conditioning. Guy is definitely chonky.

After a tough, but I thought process-wise totally fine, game against the Sixers, Sterling Brown looked a lot more out of control in the first half against the Hawks. He kept getting stripped on his way to the rim or couldn’t get a pass out in time. It was nice to see him knock home a couple triples though. To be honest, I don’t particularly care about these performances. Sure it would be nice to see him racking home triples and destroying at the rim, but for a guy who has already proven himself competent enough against NBA competition, I don’t think there’s anything to glean from a couple games where he’s probably forcing the issue.

Your requisite Rayjon Tucker dunk highlight. Kudos to him for getting an and-one in the first half too. Nice pass, Sterling:

I know the Summer League refs are auditioning for the Big Leagues, so they probably want to ensure they don’t miss anything, but my word they really could’ve used a little more restraint. The first few minutes of the third quarter, in particular. These games are usually unwatchable enough, please don’t prolong them if possible.

Props to Bonzie Colson, who continues to look like the most consistent performing Buck at Summer League. After a quality day yesterday, he was one of the few Milwaukee players keeping them alive in the third with some sweet shooting from deep. He event notched the Bucks their first lead of the game with an and-one to go up 73-70. He also led the team in scoring at 16.

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