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Milwaukee Bucks vs. Dallas Mavericks: 3 Takeaways from First Preseason Game

By Harrison Carter

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: \h34 blocks a shot by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks as George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 08, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 08: \h34 blocks a shot by Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks as George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on at The Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 08, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks hosted the Dallas Mavericks for their first preseason game of the 2020-2021 season. Here are three main takeaways from their first game.

The Milwaukee Bucks began their first preseason game with a loss to the Dallas Mavericks. As the first of three preseason games for the Bucks, it was the first look at a team that many expect to make it out of the East and compete for an NBA championship. Although just a preseason game, every team showing is another valuable impression to Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has yet to sign his supermax contract extension. Let’s dive into the first preseason game.

New Faces

This offseason, the Bucks executed a roster overhaul. The game included appearances from nine new Bucks. This preseason game gave us a first look at how these new additions will intertwine with the team. The bright spot of the additions was Bobby Portis, who finished the game with 14 points (7-15 shooting) and 13 rebounds in 20 minutes of work. He played with lots of much-needed energy that I hope will carry into the regular season and playoffs. For example, in the middle of the first quarter, Portis corralled a rebound, made an outlet pass, and then did a dead sprint to the basket where he eventually got an easy dunk with an assist from Jrue Holiday.

Speaking of Jrue Holiday, this was the first time seeing him play in a Bucks uniform. Although he struggled offensively, Holiday was patient and did not seem to force anything. Sticking to his reputation, he did most of his work on the defensive end, as he was the primary defensive assignment for Mavericks star Luka Doncic, as Holiday held Doncic to 5-13 shooting. I do want to see Holiday handling the ball more and running the offense. At times it seemed as if he was being treated as a fourth option on offense. Holiday’s role with the team will increase with time.

Other newcomers that made their Bucks’ debuts include Mamadi Diakite, Jordan Nwora, Torrey Craig, D.J. Augustin, Jaylen Adams, Bryn Forbes, and Sam Merrill. These new additions will take time to mesh, but it was a fun sight to see them playing in Bucks uniforms.

Shooting Woes

The Bucks struggled for most of the game. With the addition of Holiday, the Bucks hope to improve their half-court offense that has plagued them in the playoffs the past few years. The half-court offense did look slightly better, but the Bucks could not knock down their outside shots, as they shot 9-38 from three (23.7%) compared to Dallas who shot 17-43 (39.5%).

This has been the downfall of the Bucks in past years, shooting poorly from outside while allowing the opponent to get hot from 3. As time goes on and the new players get accustomed to the team, the offense will become much smoother in both the fast break and in the half-court. As the players learn their spots the shooting numbers will increase.

D.J. Wilson

The most impactful Milwaukee Buck for the night? D.J. Wilson. In 12 minutes the 4th-year forward shot 6-9 from the field and 2-4 from 3 with a team-high +/- of +7 while he was on the court. Wilson spent the offseason working out in Los Angeles, and he looked sharp in his 2020 preseason debut. He was the only Bucks player to make more than one 3-point field goal, and was extremely effective in running a two-man game with the other D.J., D.J. Augustin.

Wilson would set a pick and mix up either fading or rolling: and it worked. He was one of the biggest individual bright spots in the entire game. If he keeps up this offensive production it will be a huge boost to the Bucks. Wilson provides good defensive versatility. Combined with a polished offensive game, he could break into the rotation consistently, something he has not really been able to do since joining the Bucks.

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It is important not to get too worked up about preseason games. A lot of the preseason consists of coaches trying new rotations to see how certain players mesh together. The preseason is about experimenting so that the regular season can start sharply. That being said, there are always observations and takeaways that can be made from any showing of the team together. The biggest takeaway from preseason game No. 1 is that Bucks basketball is back! Here’s to a fun 2020-2021 season.

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