Bucks Stock Market: A howler against the Wolves
Hot shooting from Minnesota propelled them to victory.
The Bucks Stock Market is a fictitious market run by the GSPN crew that tracks player stock “movement” following the conclusion of every game. Here’s the spreadsheet logging the game-by-game results.
In a Saturday afternoon game, the Milwaukee Bucks paid a visit to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Though Pat Connaughton made his triumphant return to the lineup, the Bucks were still shorthanded as it was announced that Giannis Antetokounmpo would miss the game due to knee soreness. This is likely not a significant issue, rather an opportunity for the big fella to get an extended period of time to recover between games. His presence was missed, as Milwaukee could not string together stops against this red-hot Timberwolves team and lost 138-119. Let’s talk movements.
Brook Lopez📈
This was Brook’s finest game since his return. In his first start since the first game of the season, Lopez was strong on the offensive and defensive end. After struggling to find his footing within Milwaukee’s offensive scheme in the last two games, Splash Mountain poured in 15 points, 11 of which came in the third quarter. The most important part was that all of his points came inside the arc, which is where he is at his most dangerous.
Wes Matthews📈
It seems like Wes has finally found his rhythm again! His 3-5 shooting from distance marks the third consecutive game where he’s made multiple threes, and is also the first time he’s made three threes in a game since January 10th. Matthews was always going to see playoff minutes due to his stellar defense, but if his shot it on, he might get in line for significant minutes.
Serge Ibaka📉
Serge essentially had the opposite night as Brook Lopez. He could not stop Karl-Anthony Towns in any manner, and also could not put the ball in the basket himself. Ibaka took 11(!) shots to end up with five points, which is honestly hilarious as I type it out. He was 1-6 from three and 0-5 from within the arc, but did manage to hit both of his free throw attempts.
Jrue Holiday📉
Jrue has been on a hot streak shooting wise, so it’s only fair that it comes crashing down to earth every now and then. Today was one of those days. Holiday’s jumper just seemed off this afternoon, evident by his 5-13 shooting performance from the field. He even air-balled a free throw! This isn’t too worrying of a performance though, as Bucks viewers know that Holiday’s offense is the real deal this season and should rebound sooner rather than later.
Jordan Nwora📉
Falling asleep on defense multiple times, step-back long twos that barely graze the rim, missing passes. I’m over it. Though not getting an up stock for this game, Thanasis Antetokounmpo was leaps and bounds better than Nwora in this game and deserves playing time over number 13.
George Hill📈
George Hill only recorded a steal in this game, but this up stock does not come from his basketball performance. In the first quarter, Patrick Beverly started a scuffle that resulted in both Beverly and Hill getting ejected.
Hill gets the up stock here because he was right there to defend his teammate after Pat Bev takes a cheap shot.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ next game is on Tuesday, March 22nd as they play host to the Chicago Bulls. This will be a Playback game, which means you can watch the game together with the GSPN crew if you’re a member of our Discord! Access is given to those who tweet myself or Ti (or email gyrosteppod@gmail.com) with a screenshot showing your five-star Apple/Spotify review OR subscription to this Substack. Hope to see you there!