PG: Nurse and Starters all star caliber choke job

[kj_]

I’m actually encouraged by last night’s game.

That first half defence was exceptional. When they trapped their scramble recovery was amazing. They forced the Bucks to keep moving the ball and more often than not ended up with nothing and had to reset forcing a late clock shot. To me, they seemed to gas out at the end of the second and couldn’t maintain in the third when the shots weren’t falling on offence.

My concern is, were the missed open shots and free throws a result of expending so much energy on D? Is it sustainable to play D expending that type of energy for 48 min?

Typically they play D with that intensity for 8-10 min in the regular season and put the game away. The Bucks require that D all game because they are good.

It’s difficult to simulate that intensity in the regular season without running the risk of wearing players down. If you don’t, it’s tough to have the proper conditioning to sustain it in the playoffs and not have it effect your offence.

All said, I don’t see last night as a problem. The Bucks are good but the Raps can hang.


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[Cobra Kawhi]

I’m actually encouraged by last night’s game.

That first half defence was exceptional. When they trapped their scramble recovery was amazing. They forced the Bucks to keep moving the ball and more often than not ended up with nothing and had to reset forcing a late clock shot. To me, they seemed to gas out at the end of the second and couldn’t maintain in the third when the shots weren’t falling on offence.

My concern is, were the missed open shots and free throws a result of expending so much energy on D? Is it sustainable to play D expending that type of energy for 48 min?

Typically they play D with that intensity for 8-10 min in the regular season and put the game away. The Bucks require that D all game because they are good.

It’s difficult to simulate that intensity in the regular season without running the risk of wearing players down. If you don’t, it’s tough to have the proper conditioning to sustain it in the playoffs and not have it effect your offence.

All said, I don’t see last night as a problem. The Bucks are good but the Raps can hang.


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Good point.

I think the amount of games missed to injury should be a positive in May. Players less worn down.

[Cobra Kawhi]

As expected reactionary talking heads calling us frauds on ESPN and FS1. Not sure I saw anything positive. Goes to show how bad these pundits are.

[Ramed Nazored]

We cannot beat that team with Ibaka and Lowry missing all those open shots, period.

That wasn't their defense, those were open shots.

Serge was 100% sick as hell last night and played through it. I watched him walk into the tunnel twice. Lowry sprinted to the tunnel, puked, then came sprinting back to the bench. They weren't well and it showed.

Have to credit them for grinding out a game of that intensity. They knew they had to play if their team would stand a chance, and they did.

They'll knock those shots down next time.

Not that I want to use it as an excuse, but I wish they would come out with this if true. I get it though, they aren't the kind to make excuses, especially Kyle.

I feel you, but them saying "we were sick" is the last thing they'd do or the last thing we'd want. That's not how the psychology of an elite athlete functions. They set an incredibly high standard, and that standard doesn't change, regardless of the circumstances. You'll notice that the raptor franchise NEVER does this. They never make excuses, ever, and they never leak weaknesses of either mind or body to the press.

Look at a team like Philly. Remember Embiid coming out and saying he was "sick" last year during the PO's? Chuck, Shaq, etc all roasted him. By doing that he's setting a tone. He's not inspiring the confidence of his team, coach, or even the fans. We don't care if you have a cold. It's the playoffs. You come out and play your ass off and keep that **** to yourself, or share it after the game. It's psychology that seperates the physically gifted and talented from the elite. We've seen this play out and and time again. What's Philly's road record, 9-20? That's because they need to be COMFORTABLE to play well and win games. They're mentally weak.

I love that they're not saying "we were sick" today. The only reason anyone even knows is because people were at the game (like me) who saw it go down.

These guys have a champions mindset. Cherish it. Things won't always be this way.

[F22_Raptor]

Siakam only 6 rebounds in 38 mins. In fact our entire starting lineup didn't rebound well one bit

That kills us

Totally agree. I was SMH when guys like Bledsoe and DiVincenzo would pull down the offense rebound after good defense played on Bucks. Rebounding was an issue in the 2nd half, for sure.

[gerrit4]

I’m actually encouraged by last night’s game.

That first half defence was exceptional. When they trapped their scramble recovery was amazing. They forced the Bucks to keep moving the ball and more often than not ended up with nothing and had to reset forcing a late clock shot. To me, they seemed to gas out at the end of the second and couldn’t maintain in the third when the shots weren’t falling on offence.

My concern is, were the missed open shots and free throws a result of expending so much energy on D? Is it sustainable to play D expending that type of energy for 48 min?

Typically they play D with that intensity for 8-10 min in the regular season and put the game away. The Bucks require that D all game because they are good.

It’s difficult to simulate that intensity in the regular season without running the risk of wearing players down. If you don’t, it’s tough to have the proper conditioning to sustain it in the playoffs and not have it effect your offence.

All said, I don’t see last night as a problem. The Bucks are good but the Raps can hang.


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I agree. I don't think any rational fan thinks that we're going to stomp the Bucks in the playoffs. My hope is for a hard-fought 7 game series, and I think that last night proved that could be realistic.

Clearly, we can defend them (and they can defend us). The strategy to limit Giannis is a good one, and I don't trust guys like Bledsoe in the playoffs. As you mentioned, there were some really incredible double team recoveries where we put a hard double on Giannis (or Brook) and somehow closed out on every open shooter. It was like we had 6 guys on the court.

[Uncle Dennis]

I know Middleton has a rep of choking in the playoffs, but he has been very impressive this year. He's shooting 51/44/91, lord...

[batman54]

Here's what left me scratching my head.

After Matt Thomas was hot as a firecracker in the first half,
it seemed like Nurse only played him for a minute or two in the second half.

I don't have exact amount, but not much.

The starters were generally poor throughout.. why not try the hot hands a bit more.

Just weird.

[ATLTimekeeper]

Siakam only 6 rebounds in 38 mins. In fact our entire starting lineup didn't rebound well one bit

That kills us

Totally agree. I was SMH when guys like Bledsoe and DiVincenzo would pull down the offense rebound after good defense played on Bucks. Rebounding was an issue in the 2nd half, for sure.

We had 9 offensive rebounds. They had 8. I think we average 11.5 a game against, and the Bucks average over 9, so I think that was a good performance and not at all a factor in the game. The timing of DiVincenzo's certainly stifled the comeback attempt.

[ruckus]

Here's something interesting:

Up until last night's game, the Bucks have been the best 1st quarter team in the league by a country mile - 110.8 Ortg, 93.5(!) Drtg = 17.3 Netrtg.

Last night in the 1st quarter - 100.0 Ortg, 108.0 Drtg = -8.0 Netrtg.

The Raps definitely did something right last night. If anything, it gives Nurse another data point on what happens to the Bucks when you hit them hard first. We hadn't really seen this season how the Bucks would react after a bad first quarter (by their standards). Now we know. We have a bit of insight now into their resiliency.

[ash_k]

No Norman&Marc. It was a very good night, all things considered.

It is becoming obvious that Siakam will have a tough time scoring on Giannis(with Marvin Williams), Bam Adebayo and Ben Simmons in the playoffs..those players are built to stop him. So I wasn't too surprised to see Pascal struggle.

I had almost forgot that Serge was pretty much a non-factor against the Bucks in the playoffs..Last night, I can only assume that the length of Brook Lopez contesting his shots bothered him.

Pascal was 3/6 on Giannis. I think the fact that they had to put Giannis on him for most of his possessions is more important than whether Siakam can score on him or not. They can't get away with Marvin Williams (horrible playoff performer on his way out of the league), and then there's no one else that can really match him on that team. The Lopez Bros and Ilyasova are lead footed. Middleton got worked by Siakam for an easy and1. Basically, I'll take that game from Siakam for an entire series against any team. It's the 3 other starters who need to cash in.

His worst series last year was against the Bucks by far

From what I have seen, he just cannot go off against those guys and it just happens that 2 of them (Giannis&Ben) have defensive player of the year potential and Bam Adebayo is not too far behind as a top defender.
Those are just very difficult matchups for him.

it would be interesting to see in the playoffs.

[ash_k]

I just wish I could remember the two posters a few weeks back that were putting Khris "I dont have IT" Middleton in the same breath as (arguably) the Greatest shooter of all Time Klay Thompson

[theocratic_n'_nature]

While I am not bitter about the game I am bitter that Masai didn't take a small risk to improve the team. Marvin Williams would have been a great add. I would have given up a pick and player for him, which I am sure Charlotte would have been interested in.

Instead, for the second year in a row the Bucks get the guy Toronto should have got.

That said, I would have traded RHJ for him and I thought RHJ did really well tonight. Not sure I trust Rondae as a decision maker, but his energy is something the team feeds off of in a Lowry like way.

Williams' contract is 14 million. That means either Norm or Fred is included with another player for the trade to work. Or it would be any of Gasol, Serge, Lowry and they'd have to send players back. I wouldn't do any of those trades.

[TPV]

Both teams played really well. The defense on both sides was amazing (Brook Lopez should definitely be in All-Defense discussion, he was awesome). Raptors let up a little bit at the end.

Milwaukee seemed to be able to get drives to the rim more often, which led to the disparity in FTs, and just cleaner open 3 point shots. Giannis helps a lot, though they were doing this with Middleton as well. I wish we gave TD more run as someone to drive to the rim. Powell would be huge on offense for this, and Gasol is really needed on the defensive end.

We need to be able to take and make mid-range shots when things get tough. We went 3 for 7 on the mid-range (Milwaukee was 4 for 16). It shouldn't be a huge staple of the offense, but if most the threes are going to be semi-contested anyways, I'd prefer they take a closer shot to diversify the offense. Again Norm is going to be huge for this.

[TPV]

While I am not bitter about the game I am bitter that Masai didn't take a small risk to improve the team. Marvin Williams would have been a great add. I would have given up a pick and player for him, which I am sure Charlotte would have been interested in.

Instead, for the second year in a row the Bucks get the guy Toronto should have got.

That said, I would have traded RHJ for him and I thought RHJ did really well tonight. Not sure I trust Rondae as a decision maker, but his energy is something the team feeds off of in a Lowry like way.

Williams' contract is 14 million. That means either Norm or Fred is included with another player for the trade to work. Or it would be any of Gasol, Serge, Lowry and they'd have to send players back. I wouldn't do any of those trades.

Yeah, I don't think there was a need for Marvin via trade. Bucks had the better opportunity for him anyways once he got bought out.

We just need to shoot better / find a way to get at the rim.

[ash_k]

Both teams played really well. The defense on both sides was amazing (Brook Lopez should definitely be in All-Defense discussion, he was awesome). Raptors let up a little bit at the end.

Milwaukee seemed to be able to get drives to the rim more often, which led to the disparity in FTs, and just cleaner open 3 point shots. Giannis helps a lot, though they were doing this with Middleton as well. I wish we gave TD more run as someone to drive to the rim. Powell would be huge on offense for this, and Gasol is really needed on the defensive end.

We need to be able to take and make mid-range shots when things get tough. We went 3 for 7 on the mid-range (Milwaukee was 4 for 16). It shouldn't be a huge staple of the offense, but if most the threes are going to be semi-contested anyways, I'd prefer they take a closer shot to diversify the offense. Again Norm is going to be huge for this.

But that's the problem..analytics/MIT have told team to either Layup or to take 3s! Mid-range being a so called "inefficient shot" now.
The Bucks D is solely predicated on analytics (Shutdown the pants/Layup attempts with Maximum length, knowing that teams will then take an outrageous number of 3s ..3s alone cannot beat that team and they know it)
Solution to beat that team as they are so focused on Protecting the Paint = more MID-RANGE Shots..so yeah I agree with you, more mid-range shots against that team

[lobosloboslobos]

I’m sick and tired of this fan base that rate guys like OG .. I’m so sick and tried of these people man smh call me a troll all you want.. this guy should have been traded from time. I just don’t understand if these people are blind smh ahhhhhh man.. you know what they’re going to say ? We didn’t have gasol and norm smh ahhhhhhhh man

I’m so sick and tried of this delusional group that make up this fan base smh this guy should have been traded awhile ago man.. I’m just so sick to stomach of these people that rate this guy so high man smh

i highly recommend you go do something you enjoy instead of hanging out here. being so sick and tired of something you spend so much time on is not healthy. none of this matters man. go have fun.

[Danny1616]

I’m actually encouraged by last night’s game.

That first half defence was exceptional. When they trapped their scramble recovery was amazing. They forced the Bucks to keep moving the ball and more often than not ended up with nothing and had to reset forcing a late clock shot. To me, they seemed to gas out at the end of the second and couldn’t maintain in the third when the shots weren’t falling on offence.

My concern is, were the missed open shots and free throws a result of expending so much energy on D? Is it sustainable to play D expending that type of energy for 48 min?

Typically they play D with that intensity for 8-10 min in the regular season and put the game away. The Bucks require that D all game because they are good.

It’s difficult to simulate that intensity in the regular season without running the risk of wearing players down. If you don’t, it’s tough to have the proper conditioning to sustain it in the playoffs and not have it effect your offence.

All said, I don’t see last night as a problem. The Bucks are good but the Raps can hang.


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It will help when we get Gasol and Powell back.

[old skool]

I’m actually encouraged by last night’s game.

That first half defence was exceptional. When they trapped their scramble recovery was amazing. They forced the Bucks to keep moving the ball and more often than not ended up with nothing and had to reset forcing a late clock shot. To me, they seemed to gas out at the end of the second and couldn’t maintain in the third when the shots weren’t falling on offence.

My concern is, were the missed open shots and free throws a result of expending so much energy on D? Is it sustainable to play D expending that type of energy for 48 min?

Typically they play D with that intensity for 8-10 min in the regular season and put the game away. The Bucks require that D all game because they are good.

It’s difficult to simulate that intensity in the regular season without running the risk of wearing players down. If you don’t, it’s tough to have the proper conditioning to sustain it in the playoffs and not have it effect your offence.

All said, I don’t see last night as a problem. The Bucks are good but the Raps can hang.


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Good point.

I think the amount of games missed to injury should be a positive in May. Players less worn down.

I don't know that the large number of games missed due to injury will be that much of a help. One of the ramifications of those missed games is that players have had to play longer minutes when they have been healthy. Antetokounmpo leads Milwaukee in minutes played with 1606 minutes. The Raptors have four starters who have played more minutes - VanVleet, Lowry, Anunoby and Siakam. Playing heavier minutes per game can be a killer, regardless of the number of games missed.

[icoholic]

It's the regular season, we aren't catching the Bucks for the 1 seed. I'm sure Nurse and Griffin are going to try some things over the last 3 games against them without showing our entire hand. I saw good and bad last night, but in the end, it doesn't matter one bit. We're still in the preseason.