Some of you might know what this is. Star Ratings is what we use to ‘grade’ Packers games. Recaps are dead unless written immediately after the game. No one cares at this point. But maybe a look back at what went right and what went wrong for the Bucks is something you, the reader, might be interested in. Unlike the football version, there will be four stars. Four being great, one being bad. Some games will not have a person in their group. I’m glad that I can kick this off when Bucks won a game versus losing one.

FOUR STARS
Jrue Holiday – What a finish by Holiday in this one. Holiday had the game-winner shot at the near buzzer in the corner to give Milwaukee the win. He also came up with a big steal late against Ja Morant forcing a turnover. Holiday only played 23 minutes, but in those 23 minutes, he played well. Holiday finished the game with 15 points. He helped Milwaukee close this one out, and the closing lineup continues to be exciting for Milwaukee.

THREE STARS
Pat Connaughton – I know, you’re all like we’re out. But hey, Pat played pretty well tonight. He had 15 points, nine rebounds, and hit a huge three-pointer to put the Bucks ahead with under a minute left in the game. Giannis Antetokounmpo saw him open in the corner and Connaughton knocked it down. He’s not my favorite player by a long shot, but it’s nice to see him have a productive day now and again. \

TWO STARS
Donte DiVencenzo – Another bad shooting night for Donte who cannot seem to replicate the success he had against New Orleans last week. DiVencenzo hasn’t taken a leap this season, and maybe it is because this is the player he is. He runs hot and cold night to night with no real semblance of it. DiVencenzo will always go after rebounds and assists, which makes his stat line look better. I’m not ready to give up on DiVencenzo, but I may have to adjust how I think about him if that makes sense.

ONE STAR
That third quarter – Back in the day, Milwaukee used to be known for their bad third quarters. It was their version of ‘The Brewers can’t hit with runners in scoring position’ or ‘Packers can’t convert a third and one.’ This was a throwback. Milwaukee came out ready to be done with the first part of the NBA season. They only scored 23 points and lost their 10-point lead heading into the fourth. Milwaukee needs to keep its focus in the second half.

Next up
Giannis goes to Atlanta for the All-Star Game, and for everyone else, they’re off for a week before the season kicks off again when they’re playing New York at home. New York is a spunky bunch, so, expect them to give Milwaukee a game.

Charlie.