In a starting lineup that didn't see three of the Milwaukee Bucks' starting five, Sunday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bulls showcased both a deep bench and developing young talent.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton did not suit up for Sunday's game. AJ Green (right calf strain) and Chris Livington (right ankle sprain) were also ruled out for the Bucks' preseason opener.
"I think [Green and Livingston] are progressing well," Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said. "I think right now they're just getting in their conditioning and hopefully soon we'll see them back.”
Here’s today’s starters for the Bucks-Bulls preseason game.
— Ashley Washburn (@ashleyjwashburn) October 8, 2023
The #Bucks will not playing several of its stars this afternoon, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. pic.twitter.com/756AWrmZ19
In Sunday's 105-102 victory, Bucks sophomore MarJon Beauchamp shined off the bench posting a game-high 18 points and nine rebounds through 28 minutes of action.
"I thought MarJon passed a test tonight," Griffin shared.
The small forward, who was the Bucks' 24th pick in the 2022 NBA draft, made 11 starts last season averaging 8.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.7 steals in those games.
"I didn't really have a good first half, but I came back out," Beauchamp explained. "I started being aggressive and tried to be a leader for the second group in the second half. “
This year's second round draft pick, Andre Jackson Jr. (36th overall), set off fireworks in the fourth quarter with a highlight reel dunk to give Milwaukee an 88-84 lead.
Andre Jackson Jr. with AUTHORITY 🔨
— NBA (@NBA) October 8, 2023
Throwing it DOWN on the break.#NBAPreseason | Live on the NBA App
📺: https://t.co/WfH3FJ6tZs pic.twitter.com/gTDFp0vPUz
Malik Beasley made his debut in a Bucks uniform after being signed to the team in early July.
While questions still remain about who will fill Milwaukee's open shooting guard position in the starting five, head coach Adrian Griffin gave a potential hint post game:
“[Malik Beasley and I] talked about this prior to this game, and kind of his role going into the season, that he's going to have to take the toughest assignments most nights," Griffin shared. "Then with this three-point shooting capabilities, I think he showcased it tonight why he compliments our roster."
Beasley started in Sunday's preseason opener tallying 13 points while shooting 50-percent from the field. He also recorded four assists and two steals.
“That's the first time I had a preseason game like that with fans engaged like that, and it's just preseason," Beasley said. "I'm excited for the regular season to play off to see what they do.”
Sunday's win over Chicago sets the stage for a three-game, 10-day road trip starting with the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday at 7 p.m. CT.
The Bucks will also host Memphis at home on Oct. 20 to close out the preseason.
It’s about time to watch on your time. Stream local news and weather 24/7 by searching for “TMJ4” on your device.
Available for download on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and more.
