
Bucks reserve guard D.J. Augustin is averaging 6.1 points and 3.0 rebounds per game this season.
MILWAUKEE — When guard Jrue Holiday was sidelined nearly two weeks ago, Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer moved Bryn Forbes into the starting lineup instead of D.J. Augustin.
The decision, Budenholzer said, was because of Augustin's success with the second unit as well as the ball-handling abilities of Milwaukee's other starters, notably Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.
But after losing five in a row, Budenholzer altered that plan Friday night. Augustin was inserted into the starting lineup for the first time this season and Forbes moved back to the bench.
"I think (Augustin) helps get us organized," Budenholzer said after the 98-85 victory over the OKlahoma City Thunder at Fiserv Forum. "It allowed Donte (DiVincenzo) to get off the ball a little bit and be kind of the combo guard; he can play off the ball then come back in and play on the ball. He really helped us tonight and we're going to need him going forward."
Budenholzer also tweaked his substitutions, giving Thanasis Antetokounmpo regular minutes alongside Pat Connaughton, Forbes and Bobby Portis.
Offensively, the Bucks got off to a slow start with their new combinations. Milwaukee was held to 16 points on 30% shooting in the opening quarter, with just one 3-pointer in nine attempts ,and got zero points from the bench. On the defensive end, Augustin's presence helped hold Oklahoma City to 20 points.
The overall result was a defensive effort that more closely resembled seasons past. Center Brook Lopez controlled the paint, where Oklahoma City scored 30 points on 15-for-32 shooting, and the Bucks did a much better job on the perimeter as the Thunder shot 30% from behind the 3-point line and just 36.5% overall.
Augustin finished with 11 points and five assists in 32 minutes. Forbes, who averaged 12.2 points during his six starts in place of Holiday, had 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers, while playing 18 minutes.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was two assists shy of a triple-double, was happy with the adjustments.
"I think that was a good game plan by coach, putting D.J. with (the starters), having an extra playmaker out there, that create plays, make plays, take a little bit of pressure off me and Khris," Antetokounmpo said. "Having Bryn come with the second unit, bringing that scoring, that energy. Thanasis coming off the bench, bringing that energy.
"It was a good game plan by coach 'Bud.'"
Holiday watch
Sunday is the first day Holiday is eligible to return from the NBA's health and safety protocols, though the team has not said whether that will happen.
He was listed as active prior to Friday night's game, leading to speculation a return was imminent, but Budenholzer said that classification had more to do with roster mechanics than anything else.
"It didn't mean anything more than getting to 13 (active players on the roster)," Budenholzer said.
Reserve guard Jaylen Adams was placed in the protocol prior to Friday's game.
He was replaced on the roster by Sam Merrill, who was recalled from Memphis of the G-League.
What's next
Milwaukee's lengthy homestand continues Sunday night against the Sacramento Kings (12-16).
The game marks a homecoming for rookie guard Tyrese Haliburton, who led Oshkosh North to its first WIAA state championship in 2018. After playing two seasons at Iowa State, he was selected by the Kings with the No. 12 overall pick in last year's draft.
In 26 games for Sacramento, Haliburton is averaging 12.2 points on 49.8% shooting, including 44.1% on 3-point attempts. He's also averaging 3.5 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals to put him in the conversation for Rookie of the Year honors.
“Ty has that ‘it’ factor," Kings forward Harrison Barnes said. "It’s impressive at his age the poise he plays with and how he makes his teammates better. He’s going to be special in this league for a long time on and off the floor.”
Like the Bucks, the Kings have struggled to play with consistency. They opened the season 5-10, then won seven of their next eight before dropping five in a row heading into a Saturday night matchup against the Bulls in Chicago.
“A lot of times it could just be minor things,” Kings point guard De'Andre Fox said. “Our attention to detail has to be sharper. Those little things can stack up. When we were playing well, our attention was great, and that’s what we have to get back to.”
Fox leads Sacramento with 22.8 points per game and is one of six Kings averaging double digits in scoring.
The Bucks have won eight in a row against Sacramento, including a 123-111 victory in the teams' most recent meeting on Feb. 10 last year in Milwaukee.
Social media buzzing after Giannis Antetokounmpo announces 5-year extension with Milwaukee Bucks
Light it up, light it up
Hoan bridge lights celebrating the signing of Giannis. pic.twitter.com/koYkeuLOTb
— Mark Baden (@Mark_Baden) December 15, 2020
Putting in work
In 2013, he was just a kid trying to make a name for himself. Now?
— Sam (@SamBrahm1) December 15, 2020
2x MVP
4x All Star
1x DPOY
And he just signed a Super Max to stay in Milwaukee for 5 more years. Thank you Giannis❤️ #Bucks pic.twitter.com/FjS6jrHhbh
Worth a 1,000 words
Today is a great time to share this shot from a former colleague, @lucificious (on instagram at @lucian_mcafee). It's so pure. Have always loved this shot above most every Giannis pic. pic.twitter.com/UsKBuCmH8E
— Jim Kogutkiewicz (@jimmyfk) December 15, 2020
Kids approve
I know two little guys who are really excited @Giannis_An34 is coming back to the @Bucks pic.twitter.com/PrgYqJf3Fo
— Adam Collins (@AdamDCollins) December 15, 2020
Just look at those moves!
This is what I was doing after I heard Giannis was staying in Milwaukee!!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/XtHX6VjSzA
— Tim Decorah (@tdecorah8791) December 15, 2020
Monster moment
Just remembered Giannis signed that super max pic.twitter.com/3roVscjezY
— Ari (@liIacwine2) December 15, 2020
Family first
I hope Giannis made the best decision for him to win a championship, because he definitely made the best decision for his family and continuity #Giannis #Nba
— Dan (@shadesandgrace) December 15, 2020
Standout star
Sure we have Rodgers, Braun and Yelich but man Giannis means everything and more to this state. He revitalized the city and brought life back into a dead end. We will forever be grateful for your presence. Now let’s get this ring #The414Way #TheGiannisWay 😤 https://t.co/0CIRV7G0Cy
— O’ Sheehan Jr. (@misheehan68) December 15, 2020
Outside voices
How does Giannis signing the supermax impact the rest of the NBA? Also: @DarthAmin and I beg everyone to stop saying this is a victory for small-market teams, or proof the supermax works. This is proof that having a well-run, competitive organization works. Not bribes. pic.twitter.com/DL29clANJL
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) December 15, 2020
Not far off
Milwaukee fans hearing that Giannis Antetokounmpo, has signed a multi-year extension with the Bucks. #NBA pic.twitter.com/BkkM3t9qXU
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) December 15, 2020
Cry me a river
#Lakers #GiannisAntetokounmpo
— Hoops around (@hoopsaround) December 15, 2020
Lakers fans after seeing Giannis resign on a 5 year deal with Bucks pic.twitter.com/YWo7aCHFCC
On his own terms
Giannis has lived a completely different life than many players.
— Michael Wilbon (@RealMikeWilbon) December 15, 2020
Good for him, good for the league, and good for small-market teams. https://t.co/AMOJpLKpXR
It's a Greek thing
Told everyone I knew that Giannis was going nowhere. Greeks are all about loyalty & family. Special people! Good luck @Giannis_An34
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) December 15, 2020
Hollywood-worthy transformation
The guy clearly put the work in! Ton of respect for @Giannis_An34! It like the movie “BIG” how he transformed himself @tomhanks pic.twitter.com/5wF4G0nhR2
— Tim Doyle (@TimDoyle00) December 15, 2020
Watt knows what's up
‼️‼️‼️ https://t.co/nE2bmLLh4B
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) December 15, 2020
An expert opinion
Keeping Milwaukee relevant on the NBA scene is what Giannis just did. He showed loyalty to the franchise when he could have gone the other way and forced a trade. Now this season already feels different. https://t.co/Uyqu6ppTWF
— cfgardner (@cf_gardner) December 15, 2020
She's got a point
Ladies, if he didn't message to see how happy/excited you are that Giannis signed the supermax, then he isn't the one for you.
— Alysa Z - Bango's Side Doe (@alysaz23) December 15, 2020
Turn back time
This is wild to go back in the time machine & read. For everyone who put into the NBA Karma bank in those old days & refused to give up. This afternoon had a little bit to give back to you. But seriously - Never Give up on your @bucks https://t.co/7S1AAyt85d
— Andy Gorzalski (@AndyGorzalski) December 15, 2020
Small-town solidarity
Let’s gooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! https://t.co/QloTL8NoXo
— Brent Suter (@bruter24) December 15, 2020
Making Dad proud
For as much as I enjoy what he’s done on a basketball court, this part of the Giannis story has always been what’s resonated most with me. It’s why I genuinely like the Antetokounmpo family. I only wish their dad were around to see what his boys have accomplished. https://t.co/xFEWf4TH5h
— William®️🧐 (@MiltownBucky) December 15, 2020
Financially sound
Worth every penny
— Vince Biegel (@VinceBiegel) December 15, 2020
Sending a statement
It’s such a relief that these Giannis rumors can finally be put to bed. It’s great that a small market was able to fend off the vultures & keep a marquee attraction. It’s even better that an MVP sees value in staying with the first organization to believe in him & let him shine.
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) December 15, 2020
In for the long haul
Milwaukee ♥️ MVPs & MVPs ♥️ Milwaukee pic.twitter.com/yoBF5bJQQE
— megan YELI MVP brown (@thatgirlondeck) December 15, 2020
Accept no substitutes!
CELEBRATORY SMOTHIES ALL AROUND! https://t.co/1f2MjcTbCH
— Mitchell Maurer (@Mitchell_NBA) December 15, 2020
Off-court contributions
Thank you @Giannis_An34 and @Bucks. As a life long Bucks and Milwaukee fan, I’m so happy for you Giannis, your family, the Bucks organization and our community. MVP people and players now define this community. Incredible. pic.twitter.com/K0lt4bXvJU
— David Margolis (@drdavemke) December 15, 2020
Like the good ol' days
Brilliant to see @Giannis_An34 stay at the @Bucks . Call me old fashioned, but seeing an NBA star stay in the city where the fans love him, and become a club legend is how it should be 👏 https://t.co/TWuRaAG4vK
— Dan O'Connor (@melbournesdoc) December 15, 2020
Signed and sealed
🖊 🖊 🖊 https://t.co/hwiYAaV6zn
— Pat Connaughton (@pconnaughton) December 15, 2020
Keep it rolling
From one icon to another. pic.twitter.com/TG09occAeY
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 16, 2020