Brew Hoop
Milwaukee Bucks News and Analysis Since 2007
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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.
Rapid Recap: Rockets 132, Bucks 100
The Houston Rockets dominate the Milwaukee Bucks 132-100 on Oct. 28, 2026, at the Fiserv Forum. Fred VanVleet leads Houston with 24 points, while Amen Thompson adds 23 in the third quarter to push the lead to 95-69. Milwaukee’s Tyler Herro tops the Bucks with 23 points, but the team struggles offensively, shooting just 4‑of‑21 in the second quarter and never closing the gap. Despite a brief fourth‑quarter surge, the Bucks fall to 1‑4 on the season under coach Jenkins. The blowout highlights Houston’s balanced attack and defensive pressure against a struggling Bucks squad.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Houston Rockets Preview & Game Thread: Keep the momentum going
The Milwaukee Bucks (1‑3) aim for their first win streak of the season as they host the unbeaten Houston Rockets (4‑0) on Oct. 28 at Fiserv Forum. After a 110‑102 victory over the Pacers, the Bucks count on Tyler Herro and a settled Kel’el Ware to challenge a Rockets team led by Kevin Durant’s 23.5 PPG and Alperen Sengun (out with back soreness). With Steven Adams also sidelined, Houston will rely on Clint Capela and defensive specialist Tari Eason, who is shooting over 60% TS. Bucks bench scorer Nate Ament is projected for a double‑digit night. Game starts 7 p.m. CDT, broadcast on MY24.
Bucks likely to benefit from injuries to Kawhi Leonard and Anthony Edwards
The Bucks stand to gain from recent injury news as Raptors star Kawhi Leonard is sidelined for “a period of weeks” with left‑knee swelling and Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards faces up to two months out after an arthroscopic right‑knee procedure. Leonard’s absence means he will miss the Bucks‑Raptors NBA Cup match on Nov. 6, while Edwards could be unavailable for Milwaukee’s two games against Minnesota on Nov. 2 and Dec. 23. Both injuries give Milwaukee a clearer path in those early‑season matchups.
Bucks likely to benefit from Kawhi Leonard injury
Kawhi Leonard will miss “a period of weeks” after left‑knee swelling was revealed in an MRI that showed no structural damage, according to Shams Charania. The 35‑year‑old veteran, who only recently returned to the Raptors following the NBA’s Clippers salary‑cap investigation, is expected to sit out the Bucks‑Raptors NBA Cup matchup on November 6. While Toronto remains competitive without Leonard, the Bucks gain a tactical edge. Leonard, who has a history of right‑knee surgeries, expressed frustration on Twitter but remains focused on a quick return.
Bucks Reacts Survey: Are you happy with Taylor Jenkins’ rotations?
SB Nation Reacts polls Bucks fans on head coach Taylor Jenkins’ early‑season rotations. After narrow losses to Washington and Chicago, the Bucks have pushed Philadelphia and beaten Indiana, prompting a look at lineup choices. Jenkins starts veteran talent—Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Tyler Herro and Ryan Rollins—totaling 34 years of experience, while his ten‑man rotation features surprise sixth man Kasparas Jakučionis and a mix of young forwards Ousmane Dieng, Nate Ament, Kel’el Ware, Brayden Burries and AJ Green, who together hold just 11 years of NBA experience. Meanwhile, Gary Trent Jr., Caris LeVert, Bogoljub Marković and Jericho Sims sit on the DNP list. Readers are asked to vote on whether they approve of Jenkins’ decisions.
Bucks vs. Pacers Player Grades: Herro’s near triple-double powers Milwaukee to first victory
The Milwaukee Bucks snap their winless streak with a 110-102 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 26, 2026, highlighted by Tyler Herro’s near triple‑double (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) that earns him an A‑grade. Ryan Rollins adds 19 points, while Kyle Kuzma contributes 17 points and key threes. Defensive standouts include Myles Turner’s four blocks and Kel’el Ware’s double‑double (16 points, 14 rebounds). The Pacers, shorthanded without Ivica Zubac and Andrew Nembhard, struggle in the second half of a back‑to‑back. Player grades range from Herro’s A‑ to Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s D.
Rapid Recap: Bucks 110, Pacers 102
The Milwaukee Bucks snap a three‑game losing streak with a 110‑102 win over the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 26, 2026. Tyler Herro leads the way with a near triple‑double (23 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists) while Kel’el Ware adds 16 points and 14 boards. Myles Turner fuels the fourth‑quarter surge with a steal, two blocks and crucial offensive rebounds, sparking a decisive run. Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton tops the Pacers with 22 points and nine assists, but the Bucks’ third‑quarter rally and second‑chance points (13 of 24 in the final period) secure the season‑opening victory for the Taylor Jenkins era.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers Preview & Game Thread: Season’s just started
The Milwaukee Bucks, sitting 0-3 after losses to Washington, Chicago and Philadelphia, host the 2-1 Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on Oct. 26. The Bucks must address a league‑worst 129 PPG defense, while Indiana returns a healthy Tyrese Haliburton (21.7 PPG, 9.7 APG) and hot Pascal Siakam (24.7 PPG, 6 RPG). Pacers’ starting center Ivica Zubac is doubtful after an ankle sprain, giving Jay Huff a chance to start. Key storylines include the Hali‑Siakam partnership and the Bucks’ need a win to start a three‑game home stretch. Game kicks off 7 p.m. CDT, streaming on MY24.
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