Milwaukee Bucks finished off their January on a disastrous note losing their eighth game in their last nine games. Bucks fell to Boston Celtics in overtime, 112-108, where once again, they struggled in one quarter and played well in the other three. If Milwaukee showed up in the first quarter, they would have won this basketball game. If Jabari Parker would have shown up, Bucks probably win the game. But Boston was able to hold on for their third straight win.

Player of the Game (Bucks): Greg Monroe – Another good home game for Moose. Boston’s big men had zero answer for him last night with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Monroe played a great down the stretch when Bucks were leading a comeback. He continues to be a bright spot in a bad time for Bucks. You wonder if teams could see Monroe being a valued asset for a stretch run.

(Not) Player of the Game (Bucks): Jabari Parker – Not a good game from Parker. It’s hard to believe he no-showed on one of the biggest games of the year. I’m not sure what happened with Parker. He’s been playing well this week and not like this is a trend. Hopefully, he can get right against Utah on Wednesday. That’s not going to be easy, but there are chances for it over the weekend.

Player of the Game (Celtics) – Isaiah Thomas: He’s like if Allen Iverson had a younger brother. Thomas kept having an answer for Bucks. He scored 37 points with eight assists and six made threes. Thomas is a superstar even if people don’t talk about him that way. He needs one more co-pilot to really be successful this postseason.

Positive: Defense came together – We’ll see what comes of the final three quarters, but maybe, Bucks figured something out. They gave up 42 points in the first quarter and gave up only 39 total points in the next two quarters. Even the fourth quarter wasn’t bad giving up only 21 If Milwaukee’s defense played like that in the first, it’s a blowout win for Milwaukee. They have to take some learnings from the second through fourth quarter.

Negative: Overtime was disaster – If Jason Kidd could tell me why Matthew Dellavedova saw significant time in the overtime period, I’m all ears. Delly controlled the ball and din’t give the ball at all to Giannis. That can’t happen. Not in an overtime game where Bucks desperately need a victory. Just a joke.

Next up: It doesn’t get any easier for Bucks as they take on Utah for their first west coast trip of the year. Jazz have been scuffling in the past week losing three of their last four. Milwaukee hasn’t won at Salt Lake City since 2001.

Charlie.