Jim Owczarski on the Bucks loss to Indiana in the In-Season Tournament
Jim Owczarski gives his impressions of the Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas during the In-Season Tournament loss to Indiana
After a few days off the Milwaukee Bucks return to action Monday night at Fiserv Forum against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks (15-7) are looking to rebound not only from a Thursday night loss to Indiana in Las Vegas in the In-Season Tournament semifinals, but a surprising overtime loss to the Bulls (9-14) on Nov. 30 at the United Center.
That was the start of Chicago’s current four-game winning streak.
Is Giannis playing?
Yes. Giannis Antetokounmpo is starting for the Bucks.
Alex Caruso ruled out for Bulls
Guard Alex Caruso tested out his sprained left ankle before the game but ultimately was ruled out by Chicago. Caruso hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer over Brook Lopez at the end of regulation that resulted in an overtime victory for the Bulls over the Bucks on Nov. 30.
Bucks injury report
- Pat Connaughton, out (right ankle sprain)Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said Connaughton will get some court work on Monday and the hope is he can return to action in about a week. Connaughton sprained his ankle against Miami on Nov. 29.
- Jae Crowder, out (left adductor surgery)
- Chris Livingston, out (left ankle sprain)Griffin said the rookie injured the ankle during his G League assignment with the Wisconsin Herd.
HOW TO WATCH: Bucks vs. Bulls start time, TV, streaming, odds
Bucks starting lineup
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Malik Beasley
- Forwards: Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bobby Portis, Adrian Griffin address locker room conversation after In-Season Tournament loss to Pacers
Several Bucks players left Las Vegas feeling a bit disenchanted with the way their 128-119 loss to the Pacers ended. Antetokounmpo cited an overall lack of organization on the offensive end and said the players need to execute better down the stretch. Lillard and Middleton had a breakdown where the ball was turned over in a key spot and each spoke about being better in that situation.
A Bleacher Report story late Thursday said Bobby Portis interrupted head coach Adrian Griffin’s postgame address to the team and called for the coach, and the team, to be better.
Both Griffin and Portis addressed the report on Sunday after practice:
Griffin: “I won’t comment on what was reported. We’re a passionate group. We hate to lose. We’re a together group. I love coaching this group. We got nothing but winners and high character guys. And whatever internal dialogue happens in our locker room, it stays in our locker room. But, we had a great, great practice today. Probably one of the best practices we’ve had. I love the vibe in the gym. Great energy. Then we just get ready for Chicago.”
Portis: “Don’t want to speak too much about what’s happening in our locker room. What happens in our locker room is just sacred between us. That’s how it’s always been. Don’t know how it got reported. But, at the same time man, just a competitor. I love to compete. I think I’m a leader. I lead by voice and I lead by example as well. Just some things that I’ve grown over my career and over my time here. I’ve been here a 1,000-plus days now so the guys know me, the guys know who I am. They know I wear my heart on my sleeve. I compete at a high level on a day-to-day basis, whether the shots are going in or not, whether I’m playing well or not I’m here for the betterment of the team. So just being a leader, being a voice and whoever else’s outside opinions, outside of our team, that’s just their opinions about me or our team. I’m here for all the right reasons.”
Giannis named to first In-Season All-Tournament team
The Bucks’ run in Las Vegas ended early with a semifinal loss to Indiana on Thursday, but for his efforts over the six games the team played in the In-Season Tournament Antetokounmpo was named to the all-tournament team.
He was joined by tournament MVP LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant and Oshkosh native Tyrese Haliburton.
Antetokounmpo averaged 29 points per game on 64.6% shooting in the Bucks’ tournament games. He also averaged 8.8 rebounds and 5.8 assists.
