Milwaukee, WI

Bucks vs. Clippers: No Naps, No Problem

Published

9 months ago

March 10, 2024

After the Milwaukee Bucks slipped on banana peels in the first two games of their four-game California road trip, they turned things around and toppled the Los Angeles Clippers in a matinee special, 124-117.

Game Summary

As the Clippers play-by-play guy really wanted you to know, both teams came out with far more energy than you’d expect from a matinee tilt. While the Bucks defense continued its road trip struggles containing single players when they get cooking — in this case, Malik Beasley & Co. had a tough time preventing James Harden from generating space and feeding teammates — Damian Lillard’s three-point offense (4-4 in the frame) did enough heavy lifting to avoid an early hole to climb out of. When Harden sat, the Bucks transition defense lost the plot, saved by LA’s inability to hit any of the bevy of open threes given to them. Clippers up 33-29 after one.

Milwaukee would respond to their deficit by running the vaunted PatB-PatC-Bobby-Gallo-Giannis lineup that ironically struggled to wrangle rebounds in spite of the presence of three nominal bigs on the floor. Giannis did a fine job operating in space in attacking Ivica Zubac to anchor the lineup, paying off with a Pat Bev three to regain the lead at 40-39. Danilo Gallinari would nail his first three as a Buck shortly thereafter, and Milwaukee looked ready to rip the floodgates open on a slick Giannis pass to Beasley in the corner for another three, called off by Scott Foster for an imaginary traveling violation by Antetokounmpo. After that mishap, the Bucks kept their foot on the shotmaking gas benefitting from Dame-Bobby P&R looks — a late implosion off a Rivers technical and a Clips basket in transition left them the lead at the half, 62-59.

A quick foul on Ivica Zubac out of the half would get him time on the bench and made Milwaukee’s life in the paint easier on both ends. Malik Beasley had a strong pair of transition baskets to force a Clippers timeout and the insertion of one Miles Plumlee. Instead of signaling the resurgence of the Bucks paint defense, things just continued to be depressingly mediocre — loose balls bounced to the Clips off blocks, nobody rotated to Plumlee divebombing the basket from the three-point line, all sorts of crap. Plumlee actually hit Giannis with the hesi ball fake before hitting Norm Powell to cash in a three at one point. Bizarre. Thankfully, LA made it a point to have worse transition defense than Milwaukee, and the Bucks took advantage with plenty of cherry-picked baskets on their way to a 91-85 lead after three.

With Giannis sitting to start the fourth quarter, the Clippers powered their way back into the game with, again, paint dominance and Norm Powell going nuts. Tied up at 93 all with 10 minutes to go, it was Malik Beasley who bailed Milwaukee out by hitting an ATO three to regain the lead. Things still looked shaky for the defense until Antetokounmpo was subbed in and queued up a seven point mini-run between himself and Damian Lillard. A ref show then blew in out of nowhere to add a little extra disruption to a see-saw affair with Antetokounmpo often the victim. He kept firing, though, hitting a much-needed midrange jumper and defending his ass off to help cover for the length of the floor. Damian Lillard also came on strong late, hitting a tough three and getting sent to the line to take (and make) three free-throws late to push the lead out to 116-109. Another great sequence between Milwaukee’s stars late would seal it, and the Bucks would win 124-117.

What We Learned

Paint defense, anyone? Ivica Zubac is a physical handful to deal with, but it wasn’t just him slicing the Bucks paint defense up. The formula for opponents to blitz the Bucks remain unchanged from earlier in the season: Rely on a primary ball handler to generate significant operating space off a dribble move to lose Malik Beasley/Damian Lillard, then cut things to pieces with the easy dump pass, pick-and-roll looks, or dunker spot putbacks. Even when Milwaukee’s bigs were in nominally good position, they either lacked the energy, resolve, or processing speed to close gaps and contest.

A 34-16 difference in points in the paint in the first half for the Clippers was eventually shaved down to 48-42 for a bit there, only for LA to push it back out to 58-42 in their favor. Outside of brief moments here or there, this was the main concern of the night.

Three Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo – 34 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds

Just another masterful performance in a season full of them for Antetokounmpo. The defensive drop-off when he is off the floor could viably be the foundation upon which you build an MVP campaign around. When the Clippers took the lead late, Giannis was subbed in and turned things around instantly. Two good baskets, great interplay with Lillard on set offensive looks, and effort enough on the defensive end to cover for gaffes made by teammates whether on the perimeter or in the paint. A dynamo through and through.

Damian Lillard – 35 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds

His three-point shooting early made sure the Bucks could at least stay within striking distance of the Clippers, and the shot-making responsibility fell back on his shoulders late to push things over the line. I actually thought he showed occasionally good effort on defense to boot disrupting ball-handlers on the perimeter before they could really get a head of steam.

Malik Beasley – 17 points, 4 rebounds

Malik is here because nobody else really qualifies to be the legendary Third Buck. It was a good turnaround performance from three for Beasley (4-9 from distance) and a generically bad one defensively anytime he was asked to even look at James Harden. The broken plays that let the Clippers take as many shots inside as they liked early were, largely, due to Malik’s substandard footwork/anticipation. Making threes cures a lot of ills, though.

Bonus Bucks Bits

Danilo Gallinari logged his fifth bucket as a Buck and his first three in nine appearances. A sign of greater things to come? Almost assuredly not.
Old friend PJ Tucker had the first quarter of his life, making baskets (including a three), getting blocks, and generally being a pest. He was then horrible almost the rest of his time on the floor. We thank him for his service.
Really can’t emphasize how little I unexpected Miles Plumlee to ball out today. Absolute chaos ball with ball fakes and everything. Shoutout to that guy.
Doc Rivers getting T’d up for something that wasn’t particularly clear to the viewers at home? Check.
With about 20 seconds to go in the game and a 7 point lead, Pat Connaughton — who was completely unguarded and so didn’t need to rush — hoisted one of the worst three-point shots I’ve seen in a bit with five seconds still left on the shot clock. LA would corral the rebound and hit a three immediately to reduce Milwaukee’s lead to 4. While Giannis was busy shooting free throws to secure the win, Doc was giving Pat an earful. I’m pretty sure I lipread, “C’mon, man” as Doc’s parting shot. C’mon man, indeed.

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Milwaukee, WI

Shannons Sims & Cassandra McShepard learn to make holiday centerpieces at Urban Sense

Published

3 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Shannons Sims & Cassandra McShepard learn to make holiday centerpieces at Urban Sense

MILWAUKEE — With the holiday season upon us, you may want to consider this hidden gem. Urban Sense is known for its beautiful fresh floral arrangements, but it offers so much more.

Located at the corner of 54th and West Vliet St., this modern floral and gift shop provides a one-stop shopping experience. I spoke with one of the owners, Chris Dobs, to find out what sets them apart.

Watch: Find one-of-a-kind items at Urban Sense

Find one-of-a-kind items at Urban Sense

“We really specialize in customer service, and I know a lot of businesses say that, but we really excel at it. If you’re planning a special event, we talk about the location and how many people are coming. If you’re buying a plant, we’ll discuss the sun’s location, what type of plant you’re looking for, and whether it’s high maintenance or low maintenance. With holiday decor, we’ll definitely go through and try to make it nice and special for you. Because Urban Sense is a sense of touch, sense of feel, sense of environment,” Chris said.

Watch: Shannons Sims & Cassandra McShepard learn to make holiday centerpieces

Shannons Sims & Cassandra McShepard learn to make holiday centerpieces at Urban Sense

In addition to flowers and plants, the shop offers a variety of unique gift items. Co-owner Daniel Block shops small business vendors to stock Urban Sense with things you can’t find locally, including lotion candles, the world’s softest socks, upcycled high-strung jewelry, and a large selection of German cuckoo clocks.

TMJ4 News

Weddings are a huge part of their business, with about 50 to 60 per year. Daniel says, “What sets us apart is that we customize for each wedding event. We also don’t have budget minimums for wedding flowers; we just try to work within every budget.”

When you buy a plant, they will pot it for you and even re-pot your existing plants. And get this: “We get fresh Christmas trees cut literally the week before Thanksgiving. This year, we’re carrying Fraser Firs, and we also deliver them if you’d like,” Chris said. But it gets better: they will decorate the tree for you as well!

I told you this was a hidden gem.

For more information, click here.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Brewers Would Reportedly Love to Add Paul Goldschmidt This Winter

Published

11 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Milwaukee Brewers Would Reportedly Love to Add Paul Goldschmidt This Winter

According to MLB Insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Milwaukee Brewers would love to add free agent first baseman Paul Goldschmidt this winter.

He wrote the following on Monday:

The Brewers would love to find a way to get former Cardinals All-Star first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on their roster, and would have been all-in if first baseman Rhys Hoskins had opted out of his contract.

Hoskins did opt-in, meaning that the Brewers would need to do some roster gymnastics to find time for both guys at first base and designated hitter.

Goldschmidt would be a nice add to the offense, especially considering the team is widely expected to lose Willy Adames in free agency. Furthermore, since Goldschmidt was not issued a qualifying offer by the Cardinals, he won’t cost a draft pick on Milwaukee’s end, which is highly appealing.

A lifetime, .289 hitter, Goldschmidt has spent 14 years in the big leagues with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Cardinals. He is a seven-time All-Star and a four-time Gold Glover. He won the MVP Award in the National League in 2022.

The Delaware native is coming off a year in which he hit .245 with 22 homers and 65 RBI. He posted a .302 on-base percentage. The Brewers are coming off a year in which they won the National League Central and advanced to the wild card round of the playoffs before losing to the New York Mets.

They have designs on staying atop the division, but losing Adames will be a big loss. Perhaps adding Goldschmidt can alleviate it.

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

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Milwaukee, WI

Best Black Friday deals for Milwaukee Bucks fans this holiday season

Published

19 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Best Black Friday deals for Milwaukee Bucks fans this holiday season

Make this holiday time your “Dame time” for gift giving for the Milwaukee Bucks fan in your life.

The Bucks are going hunting for a playoff spot but there’s still time to nab some Deer Gear for loved ones this holiday season.

Here are some options:

Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deals at Fanatics

Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are a force on the court and fans can show their support for the duo with replica jerseys. Even the latest Nike city edition jersey is available for fans of both players.

For those that grew up in a different era, there are vintage Bucks jerseys of Ray Allen, Oscar Robertson and Michael Redd.

And it even has a Bucks dress that’s perfect for date night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo jersey $119.99

Damian Lillard Nike city edition $119.99

Ray Allen Mitchell & Ness hardwood classic jersey $94.49

Oscar Robertson Michell & Ness hardwood classic jersey $139.99

Bucks Pro Standard Women’s Classic Bodycon Dress $67.99

Shop Milwaukee Bucks gear

Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deal at Amazon

Amazon is a good place to find unique Bucks gifts for the hooper in your life. Maybe it’s a Bango coffee mug or a mini basketball hoop for your child’s bedroom (or the home office). It’s also got flags for fans to fly after a victory.

Bucks Bango coffee mug $24.99

Bucks mini basketball hoop $15.95

Bucks 3×5 outdoor flag $29.95

Shop Milwaukee Bucks Amazon Black Friday deals

Milwaukee Bucks Black Friday deals at Walmart

Walmart has some Bucks gear that can’t be found at many other places, like a reclining chair, perfect to watch the game at home.

A Bucks barstool is perfect for the basement or kitchen bar. And for those with an autographed basketball in need for a way to put it on display,

Bucks DreamSeat stealth power plus recliner $999.99

Bucks padded swivel barstool $119.03

Bucks basketball display case $67.49

Shop Milwaukee Bucks Walmart Black Friday deals

Bucks Black Friday golf gear deals

The Bucks season takes place mostly during the winter and spring, but after the playoffs (and NBA finals) the weather is perfect for golfers to do 18 holes.

It might be time to get a new golf bag decked out in Bucks insignia or golf headcovers. Maybe something a little more subtle like a polo when the wind is going in the right direction.

Bucks WinCraft golf bag $216.99

Bucks 3-piece golf club headcover $75.00

Bucks Levelwear polo $49.95

Bucks Black Friday jewelry deals

Jewelry can be an elegant way to rep the Bucks in a way that’s not so in-your-face but also hard to ignore. Whether it’s Bucks earrings, a bracelet or a necklace, there’s a way to show love for your favorite squad while in a formal setting.

Bucks official NBA logo pendant $139

Bucks Lusso Hermione necklace $92.39

Bucks Baublebar huggie earrings $29.40

Milwaukee Bucks tickets

The best way to show your Bucks fandom is to let the team know in person. The season lasts until April and there are plenty of games to go to between now and then. And an experience is always a great gift, which is why StubHub is the place to go to find the perfect game to get tickets.

Shop Milwaukee Bucks tickets

Milwaukee Bucks championship book

History Makers: The Milwaukee Bucks Win Their First NBA Championship in 50 Years

Relive the Bucks’ historic 2020–21 season in this 160-page hardcover book. Featuring action-packed photos and compelling stories from the award-winning journalists of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, this collector’s book gives you an inside look at the Bucks’ rise to claim their first championship in 50 years. Get inside the huddle and read about the Bucks’ rise to claim the NBA Championship. Click here.

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