Milwaukee Bucks: P.J. Tucker has filled a void from years past

Following a masterful performance from P.J. Tucker that boosted a much-improved team effort, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to pull away from the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4 of this back-and-forth second-round matchup, earning the 107-96 victory to even up the series at 2-2.

The Bucks seemed to re-find their identity on Sunday afternoon, especially offensively, after struggling to find a comfortable rhythm through the first three games of the series. Instead of too many isolation possessions and a recurring lack of purpose, Milwaukee had its offense flowing right from the tip with consistent ball movement, improved decisiveness, and better execution.

As a result, the Bucks drained 16 3’s, shot 44.3 percent from the floor, accumulated 20 fast-break points, and gathered 27 assists as a team. In comparison, they recorded just 12 assists the previous contest and only made a whopping 20 total 3’s during the first three games against the Nets.

Giannis Antetokounmpo showcased his strengths as a reigning back-to-back MVP, dropping 34 points on 53.8 percent field goals along with 12 rebounds to lead the Bucks while Khris Middleton had yet another efficient performance, tallying 19 points, eight assists, two steals, two blocks, and an excellent display of defense, primarily on sharpshooter Joe Harris.

Although Brooklyn was forced to face unfortunate adversity with James Harden absent for basically a fourth straight game due to a right hamstring issue while Kyrie Irving picked up an ankle injury moments before halftime, Milwaukee’s style of play was the best we’ve seen since the demolishing sweep of Miami. For the first time this series, the Bucks finally looked like the Bucks.

As the Milwaukee Bucks even up the series at 2-2 against the Brooklyn Nets, P.J. Tucker continues to provide an element that the Bucks have always needed.

Behind fluent offense, expected production from the “Big 3,” and role players maximizing their opportunities, the Bucks were able to get back into their comfort zone. Most noteworthy though, P.J. Tucker certainly emerged as the most valuable, impactful presence.

Throughout the essential Game 4 win, P.J. Tucker delivered for the Bucks with his intensity, tenacity, hustle, leadership, high motor, reliable communication, pure grit, and endless energy — a combination of attributes that this Milwaukee Bucks organization hasn’t had from one player in past years when they’ve been contending for a title.

Ever since the Bucks acquired Tucker from Houston prior to the trade deadline this season, he’s been a dependable, determined, versatile asset that has ultimately brought a contagious mentality to this championship-hopeful team. He’s the reason why the Bucks’ social media department sometimes refers to the team as the “Milwaukee Dogs,” which is actually awesome.

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Now, he’s proving his worth when it matters most. P.J. has been inserted into the starting lineup in this series against Brooklyn, and has made all kinds of key contributions with his stellar defensive efforts on arguably the best scorer in the league, Kevin Durant, standing out the most.

“He keeps making everything tough on KD [Kevin Durant]. He’s vocal. He’s a leader. He pushes us to be great,” Antetokounmpo said about Tucker following the Game 4 victory. “He’s definitely a big piece of this organization and this team. He’s going to keep helping us. We definitely need him moving forward.”

Tucker posted 13 points, seven rebounds, and a steal on Sunday, but his statistics never represent his true value. While he was splashing corners 3’s and staying active on the glass, his specialty has always been on the defensive end. P.J. stole the spotlight by doing all the dirty work whether it was disrupting Durant, diving for loose balls, efficiently communicating (shouting) at a high level, or motivating his teammates with both his voice and physical relentlessness.

In the previous two seasons when the Bucks were the No. 1 overall seed in the NBA Playoffs but failed to meet expectations, they didn’t have someone like P.J. Tucker to lift the spirits. They’ve added guys like Nikola Mirotic, George Hill, and Marvin Williams to complement the core in past years, who were all decent contributors, but none brought the element that Tucker has provided.

Milwaukee needed an impactful veteran that possessed intimidating toughness, a strong mentality, and a non-stop motor while also fitting head coach Mike Budenholzer’s system. It’s safe to say that P.J. Tucker has been the ideal addition.

Based on his outstanding Game 4 performance, there’s surely optimism surrounding the 36-year-old’s valuable capabilities moving forward. As P.J. Tucker continues to shine against Durant and the No. 2 seeded Brooklyn Nets, he’ll look to keep the momentum going as the aggressive, dawg-minded Buck that could help lift the Milwaukee Bucks into the Eastern Conference Finals and closer to the prized Larry O’Brien championship trophy.