Comments on: Toronto’s defense qualifies as a PED: Bucks 117 – Raptors 95

By: curak

curak — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:02:23 +0000

Sr. notjesus,

The lack of interior D without Bogut is sadly well known. But for the last 25 years? A random number? For the last 5-6, sure, but don’t get silly here. Ervin Johnson and Scott Williams will give you a slap upside your head, at least. Let alone Larry K.

But no argument on M.Redd. Ballhog, at least the last couple years.

By: imnotjesus

imnotjesus — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 23:46:04 +0000

i have to admit that i was wrong on Delfino… at least for now. he really showed good effort last night.

one observation of note, however: the Bucks have no interior presence without Bogut on the floor. the Raptors were able to cut to the basket for uncontested layups pretty much at will when Bogut was on the bench. this was even more evident in the previous game at Boston. the initial perimeter defense was slightly improved yesterday, but until they show some toughness in the paint, the Bucks are going to have real problems with a) foul trouble for Bogut and b) opponent FG % and FTA. I feel like i’m describing every Bucks team i’ve known for the last 25 years.

I was going to also say that i don’t know why everyone thinks that Michael Redd is a great creator. I usually measure this indirectly through FTA, so i decided to compare Redd with some other notable 2nd-tier SGs in terms of FTA/G. Here’s what i found:

Paul Pierce 7.7
Ray Allen 6.1
Michael Redd 5.1
Richard Hamilton 4.4
Jason Richardson 3.8

JRich’s numbers surprised me the most. But Michael Redd gets to the line over five times a game. So i guess he is an okay creator. Or maybe just a ball hog who gets calls.

By: Jojo

Jojo — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:10:55 +0000

Hedo is far from the Raptors second best player. Andrea and Calderon have been playing better than him, and they are far from all-stars which should give you a sense of just how useless Big Turk has been.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:05:21 +0000

Jeramey – Skiles said he hasn’t been happy with the energy off the bench as of late and spoke glowingly of Luke Ridnour. Leaves me to conclude that he’s not been enthused with Bell’s play of late. I think he went to Roko to see what he could do and was pleased enough to stay with him.

He said Roko will get another shot Saturday.

By: Jeramey Jannene

Jeramey Jannene — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:44:20 +0000

Do we know why Charlie Bell didn’t play? Obviously Roko was playing well, so it was good to get him some burn, but Roko was the first sub in, not Bell. I haven’t seen any notes from Skiles on why Bell wasn’t in.

Scott must sure be losing faith in Gadzuric, he couldn’t even get off the bench for this game. Kurt Thomas I can only assume stayed in his seat to save his legs for a game where he’s needed.

Despite the thoughts of many, I’m excited to have Redd back on Saturday (supposedly). He can draw fouls, hit corner threes, and stretch defenses consistently. Something that Charlie and Roko can only do when they’re hot.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:46:53 +0000

Oliveira – Bucks certainly are not world beaters, but even with a healthy squad the Raptors are the worst defensive team in the league. Both squads have at highest, hopes of a first round playoff exit. And they’re both looking at sweeps nonetheless. I still think it’s important for the development of young players to at least get there though.

Will – You were right on the money and I even thought of that during the game. Good call. I still am not sure it was the right move.

By: Will Swain

Will Swain — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:38:29 +0000

You should read ur comments, I told you Bogut would be on Bosh.

By: Will Swain

Will Swain — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:31:21 +0000

Bucks looked great. Even with a semi depleated Raptor squad. Their two best players were on the floor. Bosh and Turkoglu. Bah is such a good defender its not even funny. Hedu, a normally skillful ballhandler was helpless with Bah on him. Even on a mismatch when Bah had do defend Bosh posting up against him, Bah caused a missed shot with his Stretch Armstrong armsgetting in the way. The guys amazing. He even had 16 points. I dont even know if I want Redd back. If I have to be frank, Id like him to come off the bench with the second squad where he can chuck up shots when we struggle to create them. Redd will help in closing out games because that usually the time where we are completely clueless of who should score so Jennings throws up tough shot after tough shot. Michael, assuming his knees are healthy, will be able to create a shot of go to the line. Bucks had nice distribution of scoring last night which is something Id like to see every night! and how about R O K O! 17 points baby! and went to the line like 4 or 5 times.

By: oliveira

oliveira — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:27:50 +0000

Bucks won and played better than Toronto. We’ll see if they have the same sucess when JC and AB are playing with the team.

Although it’s to be expected that most fans boost their team’s performance, your analysis is certainly over the top on this regard. Bucks are in the playoff hunt since the East is so weak, but they are only getting a ticket to a first round playoff butt-kicking. Bucks are not world beaters.

By: cluny_brown

cluny_brown — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:26:03 +0000

Win (Toronto) or loss (Boston), it’s good to see the Bucks back on track after some poor overall performance. Thanks for the recap !