Milwaukee Bucks: Brandon Knight Caps Off Strong Month In Win Over Lakers
The Milwaukee Bucks may have the worst record in the league at 7-24, but there is reason for optimism and excitement.
On New Year’s Eve, the team paid a visit to the Staples Center in warm and sunny California, where they earned a convincing 94-79 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Without Kobe Bryant, the Lakers have struggled and are now losers of six games in a row.
Brandon Knight showed no sympathy though, as he poured in a career-high 37 points to put an exclamation mark on an impressive stretch of play in December.
The third-year point guard is starting to show his worth after being acquired via trade from the Detroit Pistons in the offseason.
Even though Knight is actually logging less minutes per game this season, his play is improving in many areas.
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/1/2014.
In December, the 22-year-old appeared in 15 games and averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Dating back to Nov. 29, Knight has reached double-figure scoring in all but one game (Dec. 11) and established his previous career-high on Dec. 18 when he amassed 36 points.
Knight also hauled in double-digit rebounds on two occasions in December, including a career high 14 against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Dec. 20.
The 6’3” guard’s most well-rounded performance of the month was perhaps his 26-point, eight-rebound, 14-assist effort in a heartbreaking 111-110 loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.
While there is still room for Knight to grow and mature–especially in the area of field-goal percentage–there is a lot to like about his game. The numbers look great on paper; however they look even better when they are part of a balanced attack.
If Knight can continue with the production that he had in December and combine it with the importance of keeping his teammates involved, then we may see the Bucks cruise to some more victories like they did against the Lakers on Tuesday night.