Week In Review: Milwaukee Bucks Break Even Despite Losing Jabari Parker

Dec 15, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jared Dudley (9) guards Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) during the second half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports

Monday, Dec. 15: Milwaukee Bucks at. Phoenix Suns

We all know by now that this was the game Jabari tore his ACL, but this was still one heck of a game.

The game closed with six consecutive baskets made by the two teams, including Khris Middelton’s game-winning three-pointer.

The Bucks defeated the Suns 96-94.

The Bucks played very poorly to start the game, only scoring 14 points in the first quarter.  Both ends of the floor were very sluggish and the Suns built a 12-point first quarter lead.

Once Jabari went down in the second quarter, it seemed everyone associated with the Bucks was deflated over the injury; except the Bucks.

They came out in the second half and got production from every player that hit the floor.  Four bench players (Jerryd Bayless, Jared Dudley, Middleton, Zaza Pachulia) played more than 25 minutes and scored at least 10 points.  It was exactly what Milwaukee needed to do to win, and they got it.

Dudley hit a big three late in the fourth. Knight hit a runner in the lane with only seven seconds left.  And then after the suns answered, Middleton did this.

The Suns, particularly Marcus Morris, played about as solid of defense he could on the inbounds play.  He was able to stop Middleton from getting a clean look off of the Dudley screen, and contested the eventual shot.  It was just meant to be.

A pleasant surprise was Milwaukee’s ability to score down low as well as limiting the Sun’s looks in the paint.  Milwaukee outscored Phoenix 50-24 in the paint.

This was one of those wins that fans will remember for time to come; not only because of Parker’s injury, but also because of the way Kidd got his team to respond.

The win put Milwaukee at 13-12 on the season.

Milwaukee’s next game on the West Coast swing was Wednesday night in Portland.

Next: Blazers Burn Hot Late