Milwaukee Bucks started the altitude road trip with a meeting versus Utah Jazz. Bucks haven’t won in the Salt Lake City altitude since Glenn Robinson hit a game-winning shot in 2001. Bucks were in desperate need of a victory, and they didn’t come close to having it happen versus Jazz. Utah broke down their offense will in the first half and never looked back in a dominating 104-88 victory.

Player of the Game (Bucks): Thon Maker – One thing to get excited about right now amid all the bullshit is Thon Maker is playing really well in limited minutes. This should quell some of the critics who thought that he would be years and years away. Once Thon goes through the Giannis development program with lifting weights, he’s going to be a monster.

(Not) Player of the Game (Bucks): Giannis Antetokounmpo – This matchup was going to be a hard one for Giannis, but superstars have found ways to figure out Jazz. Giannis didn’t do that tonight. He only scored nine points, a season-low if we’re not counting the San Antonio game, and never really found his rhythm. Giannis needs to have the ball more and more and let him create. There’s way too many instances where Jason Kidd wants him to work off ball and it’s not productive.

Player of the Game (Jazz): Rudy Gobert – The Stifle Tower was quite the force on offense with 26 points and 15 rebounds including five offensive boards. Gobert was a monster all game long, and they couldn’t keep up with him. This is where Greg Monroe’s defense hurts Milwaukee because he has the size to play with Gobert, but he can’t keep up.

Positive: Bucks will know what team they’re going to be the rest of the season – This is a cop out because nothing went right for Bucks, but these next two games more than likely decide the season. If they lose, it’s time to think lottery again, which isn’t the worst thing considering how talented this draft will be in June. Also, John Hammond should be selling off assets at a rapid rate. If they can win two, the schedule is set up pretty nicely heading into the All Star Break.

Negative: No one stepped up – Constant theme with Bucks this season is when Giannis isn’t going the whole team shuts down. That cannot happen. Jabari Parker getting only 17 points is fine, but he shot the ball only 12 times. He needs to grab the fucking ball and be the fucking man one time for me. Enough of this passive shit. If it’s not Jabari, then it’s Moose, then it’s Delly or Beas. Pick a guy up.

Next up: Bucks head to more altitude in Denver for a Friday night tussle with the Nuggets. They have the same record, but Denver is playing better. Nikola Jokic may return which would not be a good thing for Milwaukee. Lots and lots of points. This is a good, get-right spot for both Giannis and Jabari.

Charlie.