PG Hawks - KPJ, Kuzma Spark Win

[jschligs]

What a way to cover -5.5. Thought I was toast when it was tied under a minute. The technical foul late saved me.

Wasn’t able to watch much but Atlanta always causes problems for us. Glad we got the dub and Giannis and Dame balled out.

[blazza18]

I do think the team can be good but they just have to know they need to focus for longer than they are. Doc is more of a concern for me and that probably wont change.

[Neuromancer56]

What a way to cover -5.5. Thought I was toast when it was tied under a minute. The technical foul late saved me.

Wasn’t able to watch much but Atlanta always causes problems for us. Glad we got the dub and Giannis and Dame balled out.

As someone said the Hawks always play us tough. I would never put money on the Bucks covering the spread against the Hawks.

[slappyg]

I think Doc about has the rotations right atm. I’d be interested seeing AJG in the starting lineup for Prince, but can understand the reticence of having a Dame/AJ starting back court.

Trent looks really good in his sixth man role. I think it works well for him and the team. Curious how it all shakes out once Bobby is back.

I forgot all about Bobby. Really like what I'm seeing from the new guys.

[buckboy]

Didn't see the game. What was with the technical at the end?

That was an important point for me.

[CharityStripe34]

Didn't see the game. What was with the technical at the end?

That was an important point for me.

Dyson Daniels channeled his inner Chris Webber in Michigan.

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[msiris]

Didn't see the game. What was with the technical at the end?

That was an important point for me.

Maybe Iam wrong but calling a time out they didn't have.

[JEIS]

Dame's eye got cooked from that elbow. Hopefully the swelling isn't too bad overnight.

Dame turning into Mo Williams.

[MickeyDavis]

Didn't see the game. What was with the technical at the end?

That was an important point for me.

Maybe Iam wrong but calling a time out they didn't have.

Huge. Free throw plus possession.

[SupremeHustle]

KPJ is my leading candidate for the guy who Doc gives a real chance when the Bucks go down 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs.

[MickeyDavis]

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[humanrefutation]

It's hard to separate the off-the-court stuff with KPJ for me, which sucks because he's been excellent on-the-court. Just offers a whole different change of pace. He can break down defenses, handle the rock well, and that stepback fade is money. He also is pretty crafty defensively. I just wish I could enjoy it without having the off-the-court stuff in the back of my head.

[stellation]

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Not saying KPJ played like the GOAT, but...

[old skool]

KPJ just takes over in short spurts. That crew that starts the 4th quarter is just crazy. 3 players not on the roster a month ago. Antetokounmpo and Lillard on the bench.

I can't imagine it will take very long for scouting reports to tell teams to double KPJ and force the ball out of his hands.

I'm surprised that the Bucks do so poorly overall with KPJ on the court. 9 games played and he has only had a positive +/- twice. One neutral. 6 negatives.

[Dick Tate]

Very enjoyable game. Solid play from all 9 guys. Some really great passes from Giannis. Dame’s layup was sweet.

[Dick Tate]

Didn't see the game. What was with the technical at the end?

That was an important point for me.

It came a split second before the 5 second call, so not really a big deal.

[tedbrogen]

Doc continues to somehow master us all with this insane idea of no Giannis and no Dame lineups. In theory it should get shredded. Hawks did put up a 10-0 run against it in the second. But yet in the fourth they not only held their own but took the lead back and allowed Giannis to sit until the 7 and a half minute mark and Dame sat another minute longer.

My theory is that the others teams are pressing when they see that lineup thinking they HAVE to not only outscore but crush those minutes without Dame and Giannis. That and KPJ is perfect for those minutes because he wants the shots that everyone in the league is now told to allow anyone to take. And it’s also a very solid defensive lineup.

[soxperry]

KPJ

45 Games in LA

19.6 min, 42%/25%/65%
Per 36 -> 6.5 reb, 5.9 ast, 1.8 stl, 3.4 tov, 17.1 pts, 3.1 fta

9 Games in Mil

14.7 min, 53%/38%/85%
Per 36 -> 5.5 reb, 5.7 ast, 3.8 stl, 4.6 tov, 22.4 pts, 5.5 fta

And because all mid season SG acquisitions should be judged on the Salmons Scale™️, here are John Salmons numbers in 2009/10:

37.6 min, 47%/39%/87%
Per 36 -> 3.1 reb, 3.1 ast, 1.1 stl, 1.5 tov, 19.0 pts, 5.0 fta

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I wonder if Doc is hesitant to increase his minutes and just wants him to focus on those two spurts each half. But there seems to be more room for him to play in the Dame off/Giannis on minutes. I have to imagine there are some easy buckets to be had in a GA/KPJ pick and roll.

Ive moved from cautious optimism to "we have a real guy" territory. I am no longer questioning anything about him from a basketball standpoint. Its strictly a matter of keeping his nose clean. All the things he is doing on the court are repeatable.

We have the perfect coach and the perfect vets for him. If he cant succeed here its on him.

[midranger]

KPJ turning into FTD Salmons would be quite a development.

[KendallMarshall]

Just wait till mayo comes back!