Brew Hoop
Milwaukee Bucks News and Analysis Since 2007
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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Preview & Game Thread: Revenge game
The Milwaukee Bucks (1‑8) try to snap a five‑game losing streak against a surging Boston Celtics (7‑2) in a revenge matchup on Nov. 8 at Fiserv Forum. Boston, now a top Eastern contender after Jayson Tatum’s MVP‑level performances and the addition of Paul George, beat the Bucks 109‑102 without Tatum and leads the conference by half a game. Key watch: Derrick White, who scored 24 points and dished seven assists in the recent win, will test Milwaukee’s youthful backcourt, especially rookie Brayden Burries. The preview predicts Boston to jump out to a 15‑point lead early and dominate the game.
Bucks Reacts Survey Results: The Bucks are too nice, fans aren’t, and both of these are okay!
Bucks Reacts' latest survey shows 66% of fans think Milwaukee’s team is "too nice"—helping the community but lacking urgency on the court. Despite recent losses, fans remain supportive of coach Taylor Jenkins’ rotations, yet worry the pleasant demeanor may be masking a talent gap. The article cites the young core—Nate Ament, Kasparas Jakučionis, Brayden Burries, Kel’el Ware, Ousmane Dieng and Ryan Rollins—as a reason to stay patient, noting they have time to develop. Ultimately, the piece questions how long fan goodwill can offset a struggling win‑column before intensity becomes the priority.
Winners & Sinners: Week 3
In Week 3 the Milwaukee Bucks drop to 0-3, falling to the Timberwolves, Celtics and Raptors despite late‑game sparks. Myles Turner shines defensively with seven blocks, but a missed trade for Jakob Poeltl stalls his "defensive champion" bid. Rookie Nate Ament erupts with a crucial three in a 22‑point comeback that falls short, while Tyler Hero earns the nickname "Air Fryer" after a standout playmaking performance. Veteran Kyle Kuzma’s erratic shot in the final seconds against Boston draws criticism, prompting calls to reshuffle the lineup, especially after Coach Taylor Jenkins inserts Brayden Burries into the starting five. The piece rounds out with fan‑driven debates about roster moves and the team's direction.
Bucks vs. Raptors Player Grades: Burries shows out, Turner no-shows in second-half collapse
In the Bucks’ NBA Cup debut, Milwaukee surrenders a 121-107 loss to a depleted Toronto Raptors after a dominant first half. The Bucks led by up to 15 points, but the Raptors exploded for 70 second‑half points. Player grades highlight Tyler Herro’s solid 23‑point, 10‑assist effort (B+), while Ryan Rollins’ turnover‑laden night earns a D. Jaime Jaquez Jr. starts hot but fades (C‑), Kyle Kuzma shoots efficiently early (C+), and Myles Turner goes scoreless on 7‑0 shooting (F). The piece notes the team’s defensive collapse and offers a six‑minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast.
Rapid Recap: Raptors 121, Bucks 107
In the opening NBA Cup game, the Milwaukee Bucks fell to a battered Toronto Raptors 121-107 on November 6, 2026. Brayden Burries shined for Milwaukee, posting a career‑high 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Raptors sophomore Alijah Martin erupted for a career‑high 27 points, hitting six of seven three‑pointers. Despite an early 15-4 lead, Milwaukee stumbled as Myles Turner fouled early and the Bucks’ offense stalled, allowing Toronto to seize the lead midway through the second quarter and never relinquish it. The Bucks managed just 17 points in the fourth, sealing an ugly loss for a depleted Raptors squad.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Toronto Raptors Preview & Game Thread: Respect the Cup
The Bucks host the Raptors in the first of four NBA Cup games, despite Milwaukee’s 1‑7 start and a league‑worst 27th‑ranked defense. Toronto, now 4‑4, is missing Kawhi Leonard (knee) but boasts a second‑ranked offense in its last five outings, while struggling defensively at 28th. Scottie Barnes (questionable) is the player to watch, having jumped to a 23.5‑point average and 2.2 steals per game. Both teams seek to improve: the Bucks need better finishes, and the Raptors aim to tighten defense. Game kicks off at 7 p.m. CST at Fiserv Forum.
Doc Rivers says coaching Giannis is ‘not easy’
On the latest Bill Simmons Podcast, former Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers admits coaching Giannis Antetokounmpo is “not easy,” citing the Greek Freak’s downhill pace, limited basketball IQ and reluctance to focus on execution. Rivers praises Giannis’s passing but urges him to contribute off the ball and lock in practice fundamentals, noting his current coach excels at execution. The episode also touches on past trade rumors, with Rivers and Simmons discussing why the Bucks never moved Giannis despite his desire to leave. Rivers’s candid assessment sparks debate among Bucks fans about the player’s development and the franchise’s past decisions.
NBA Cup Preview: Milwaukee Edition
The Milwaukee Bucks open the fourth NBA Cup on Friday, November 6, facing the Toronto Raptors in Group East A. While the Bucks sit 0-0 in Cup play, rivals Detroit, Orlando, Brooklyn and Toronto have already logged games, with Detroit leading the group at 1-0. Coach Mike Budenholzer hopes the Bucks can leverage their strong rebounding and transition tempo to offset low field‑goal percentages in fast‑break situations. Key matchups include a later trip to Detroit, where the Pistons pose the toughest test, and games against Orlando and Brooklyn, both struggling in transition scoring. All Cup games count toward regular‑season standings, and eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds.
Milwaukee Bucks NBA 2K27 simulation: Part 2
In this second NBA 2K27 simulation, Brew Hoop imagines a realistic Milwaukee Bucks season. After waiving several fringe players and swapping forward positions, the Bucks start with Ryan Rollins, Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Myles Turner. By December they sit 7‑24, prompting a trade that sends AJ Green and Jericho Sims to Denver for Marvin Bagley III, Zeke Nnaji and a 2028 second‑round pick. The team climbs to 18‑41 by the All‑Star break, with Herro leading at 17.1 PPG, Kel’el Ware averaging a double‑double, and Turner's trade value lingering. They finish 26‑56, 13th in the Eastern Conference, ranking 27th offensively (110.6 PPG) and 19th defensively (121.2 PPG).
Bucks vs. Celtics Player Grades: Kuzma and Jaquez sell in failed comeback
The Bucks fall 109-102 to the Celtics after squandering a 22‑point lead in the fourth quarter. Kyle Kuzma’s frustrating 6 points, three turnovers and a poorly timed three‑pointer earn him a D grade, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. scores 18 but goes 0‑for‑5 in the final period (C‑). Tyler Herro leads Milwaukee with 25 points and gets a B‑, and Ryan Rollins posts a solid 13‑point, 9‑rebound effort (C+). Myles Turner provides a balanced 12‑point, 9‑rebound night (B‑). The piece breaks down each player’s grade and highlights the missed opportunities that cost the Bucks the comeback.
Rapid Recap: Celtics 109, Bucks 102
The Boston Celtics hold off a late surge to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 109-102 on Nov. 4, 2026, despite trailing by 21 at halftime. Both teams' top scorers finish with 25 points—Tyler Herro for Boston and Paul George for Milwaukee. The Bucks outscore the Celtics 61-47 in the second half, cutting the deficit to three, but costly turnovers (10 in the first half, many in the second) and poor rim attacks stall their comeback. Celtics’ early 15-0 run and solid play from Nate Ament and Myles Turner spark the win, while Milwaukee’s improved third‑quarter shooting (14/21) isn’t enough.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics Preview & Game Thread: Road warriors?
The Milwaukee Bucks (1-6) travel to TD Garden to chase their first road win against a 5-2 Boston Celtics squad. Both teams struggled to close out recent games, with the Bucks dropping a close contest in Minnesota and the Celtics falling to the Rockets after a fourth‑quarter slowdown. Boston returns Paul George but rests Jayson Tatum, while Devin Carter is out for Boston with illness and Payton Pritchard is questionable. The Bucks, who rank fourth in pace, will look to dominate the offensive glass—especially with Kel’el Ware’s presence—while Jericho Sims, who impressed in limited minutes, could be a key factor. A win hinges on Milwaukee’s faster tempo and rebounding against Boston’s solid half‑court play.
Bucks Reacts Survey: Are the Milwaukee Bucks too nice?
SB Nation Reacts surveys Bucks fans and finds Milwaukee’s defense lagging badly after seven games. The team ranks last in steals (5.6 per game) and opponent turnovers (12.7), is 18th in blocks (4.6 BPG) and 23rd in points allowed in the paint (50.9). Even with a +21.6 net rating for the starter lineup, the young roster lacks the physicality to disrupt opponents, and the bench offers no defensive specialists. While the three youngest players show promise, the Bucks’ “nice” style leaves them vulnerable, prompting questions about whether a tougher, more aggressive identity is needed to compete.
Bucks vs. Timberwolves Player Grades: Green and Turner lead in improved effort
The Bucks fall 112-100 to the Timberwolves despite a gritty finish, with Myles Turner emerging as the night’s standout (13 points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, B+ grade). New starter Brayden Burries replaces Ryan Rollins, who logged 10 points in 17 minutes and earns a D grade for his shooting woes. Tyler Herro contributes 21 points but struggles against elite defenders (C+), while Kyle Kuzma’s 2‑point night drops him to D‑. Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis provide solid scoring and playmaking, each earning C+ grades. The piece also links to a full game recap and a six‑minute podcast.
Rapid Recap: Timberwolves 112, Bucks 100
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 112-100 at the Target Center on Nov. 2, 2026, snapping the Bucks' three‑game losing streak and dropping them to a 1‑6 start—their fifth‑worst opening stretch ever. LaMelo Ball erupts for a season‑high 34 points, while Ayo Dosunmu adds 19, 12 rebounds and eight assists. Milwaukee’s Tyler Herro leads the Bucks with 21 points, but their three‑point shooting collapses to 30.6%, including a 3‑of‑18 first quarter. Coach Taylor Jenkins reshuffles the lineup, benching Ryan Rollins for rookie Brayden Burries, who scores 13 in his first start. The Wolves pull away in the final four minutes, securing the win.
Bucks exercise rookie-scale options on Kel’el Ware, Kasparas Jakučionis
The Milwaukee Bucks have exercised rookie‑scale options on both Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakučionis for the 2027‑28 season, locking in $7.14 million and $4.02 million contracts respectively. Ware, the 22‑year‑old seven‑footer acquired in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, posted career‑high numbers (13.8 PPG, 8.7 RPG) but saw declines in shooting efficiency (46.8% FG, 26.1% 3‑pt) and minutes (19.7 MPG). Meanwhile, 20‑year‑old guard Jakučionis emerged as a sixth‑man favorite, averaging career highs (8.3 PPG, 4.0 APG, 22.5 MPG) though his three‑point rate fell to 23.5%. The moves signal the Bucks’ confidence in the duo’s role in the team’s present and future.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Preview & Game Thread: Let’s get serious
The Milwaukee Bucks (1‑5) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (4‑3) tonight at 7 p.m. CST in Minneapolis, a matchup that becomes far more winnable for Milwaukee after Anthony Edwards’ knee surgery sidelines him for two months. The Wolves, now without Edwards and guard Donte DiVincenzo (Achilles), have slipped to 1‑2 in their last three games, including a 121‑111 loss to the Spurs. Rudy Gobert, struggling with a shooting slump but still a dominant rebounder, will battle Myles Turner, who is also off‑pace. The preview highlights a potential breakout for Ousmane Dieng, who could finally break his 2.4 PPG drought.
Winners & Sinners: Week 2
In Week 2 the Milwaukee Bucks posted a 1‑2 record, snapping their losing streak with a 23‑point, 10‑rebounds, 7‑assist performance from Tyler Herro that earned him the week’s MVP. The win came against arch‑rival Indiana Pacers, but the Bucks fell to the Houston Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers, prompting concussion concerns and exposing defensive lapses—particularly in the second quarter, where the team shot under 30% in each game. Myles Turner’s subpar outings drew criticism, while Kyle Kuzma briefly held the Defensive Belt. The article also hints at roster moves, noting Nate Ament’s rise over Ousmane Dieng.
Bucks vs. Cavaliers Player Grades: Rookies unafraid, veterans spooked in Halloween shellacking
The Cavaliers rout the Bucks 136-111 on Halloween, leaving Milwaukee stunned after a 27‑point second‑quarter collapse. Rookie Brayden Burries leads with 14 points, while veterans struggle: Tyler Herro (15 pts, D), Ryan Rollins (9 pts, C‑), and Kasparas Jakucionis (5 pts, D+). Kel’el Ware posts a double‑double (19‑10) but most of his production comes in garbage time, and Myles Turner’s shooting woes persist. Despite solid defensive effort from Kyle Kuzma (14 pts, C+) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (8 pts, C), the Bucks cannot match Cleveland’s size and scoring. The grade sheet highlights a young squad unafraid but overwhelmed, signaling a need for adjustments before the next matchup.
Rapid Recap: Cavaliers 136, Bucks 111
The Cleveland Cavaliers dismantle the Milwaukee Bucks 136-111 on Oct. 31, 2026, delivering the Bucks’ second straight blowout loss. Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen lead Cleveland with a combined 52 points, while Milwaukee’s Tyler Herro endures his first poor outing of the season. Rookies Brayden Burries and Nate Ament each record career‑high 14 points for the Bucks, and Kyle Kuzma contributes 10 for the hosts. The Cavs explode in the second quarter, outscoring Milwaukee 48-21 to build a 72-46 halftime lead, and never look back. Despite a brief Bucks surge in the fourth, Cleveland maintains control, sealing the win with a 109-76 lead entering the final period.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview & Game Thread: Response needed
The Bucks host the Cavs on Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. CDT in Milwaukee, marking the final stop of Milwaukee’s three‑game home stretch after a win over Indiana and a heavy loss to Houston. Cleveland (3‑2) comes off a road defeat in Atlanta and hopes to break its 0‑2 road record. Key storylines include wing battles between rookie Peyton Watson and Jaime Jaquez Jr., and the low‑scoring assist percentages of both clubs. Jarrett Allen looks poised for a big night if the Cavs generate perimeter offense, while Bucks rookie Ryan Rollins is projected to exceed 20 points with efficient shooting. The matchup features star Donovan Mitchell and former Buck Giannis‑era guard Ryan Rollins, with the game streaming on MY24.
Bucks Reacts Survey Results: Fans are down with—not on—Jenkins’ rotations
Two weeks into the 2026‑27 NBA season, a Reuters‑style Bucks fan survey shows 72% of Milwaukee supporters praise coach Taylor Jenkins for his bold rotations and ability to maximize talent, even as the team sits with a losing record. However, 21% are only somewhat satisfied, 6% disapprove, and a small minority criticize the limited minutes given to Gary Trent Jr. amid a cap‑circumvention probe. Some fans also question the heavy usage of Myles Turner, whose early play has been underwhelming. The poll highlights rising optimism about coaching decisions while casting doubt on how long fan patience will last if wins don’t improve.
Fawning or Warning? On KPJ, rebounding, & must-haves
In the debut "Fawning or Warning?" column, Brew Hoop breaks down the Milwaukee Bucks' recent roster moves, focusing on Kevin Porter Jr.'s release. The author argues the $5.4 million, one‑year cut frees cap space for larger contracts like Caris LeVert’s $14.8 million deal, creates development time for young talents Brayden Burries and Kasparas Jakučionis, and signals a shift toward internal growth and character‑first culture under coach Taylor Jenkins. The piece also praises the Bucks’ early success on the offensive glass, suggesting the team’s new rebounding emphasis is paying off. Verdict: the Porter move is a "fawning" sign of positive direction.
Heard ‘em Say: Bucks turned down picks for KPJ, Wisconsin Herd roster roundup, Jaylen Brown, and more!
The Bucks waived Kevin Porter Jr. just before the roster deadline, rejecting a Nuggets offer of two future second‑round picks, a pick swap, and Zeke Nnaji’s $7.5 million 2027‑28 salary. Salary‑cap analysts say the decision preserves flexibility, though Porter may soon chase a point‑guard role in Europe or the NBA. Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Herd finalize a 15‑man training camp roster after the G‑League draft, adding forward Brody Fox (49th pick) and featuring two‑way guards Kam Jones, Pete Nance, and Cormac Ryan. Former Herd scorers Mark Sears, Stephen Thompson and Johnny Davis have moved on, leaving the club hoping to improve on a 10‑26 season. The roundup also notes Malik Beasley’s gambling charge update and a Brewers‑related note about Nate Ament.
Bucks vs. Rockets Player Grades: Rollins and Jaquez revert (in opposite directions) in drubbing
The Houston Rockets hand the Milwaukee Bucks a 132-100 drubbing, exposing the Bucks’ rebuilding woes. Rookie Ryan Rollins struggles with a D‑grade (4 points, 2‑14 shooting) while Bucks forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. rebounds with a B‑grade (19 points, 7‑13 shooting). Houston’s Tyler Herro shines, posting 23 points on 9‑13 shooting for a B grade, and the Rockets’ defense swallows Milwaukee’s offense. Other Bucks receive mixed grades: Kuzma (D+), Turner (C‑), Ware (D), Jakucionis (C‑), Burries (C+), and AJ Green (C). The game underscores the Rockets’ title‑contending momentum and the Bucks’ need to regroup early in the season.
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