Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
“He is shaping into a special player”- Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin reacts on Andre Jackson Jr. superb game versus Golden State
Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. grabbed a share of limelight with his superstar teammates when he put up an outstanding performance when the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night, 129-118.
The explosive trio of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton were superb in the win, where they combined for 84 points.
First career double-double
Andre had his own explosive performance after he recorded his first career double-double, finishing with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and a block as he helped the Bucks tally their second-straight win to improve to 27-12 in the season.
“He made big time plays. He’s a big time player. He was a winner in college, has a motor like I haven’t seen in a long time, and imposes his will on the game. I mean, he just made big time plays, made winning plays. That’s who Dre is,” Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin said of the 36th overall pick in last year’s NBA Draft.
Andre provided a highlight reel in the third period when he blocked a two-handed dunk attempt by Golden State’s Trayce Jackson-Davis. The defensive stop led to a three-pointer by Lillard that gave the Bucks a 75-72 lead.
An added weapon for Milwaukee
Jackson is averaging just 2.5 points and 1.8 rebounds per contest this season. He more than eclipsed those averages with his solid plays on both ends of the floor.
"I'm watching a lot more film and coaches are sending me a lot more clips," Jackson said.
Andre may not be the main man in the talent-laden Milwaukee, but the rookie knows he has a key role to play and that is to make the lives of his superstar teammates.
“I'm just looking for my scoring more in that dunker spot, make the defense be more honest and open up the game more for those superstar players I've got on my team,” Jackson said.
Milwaukee is considered one of the title contenders for the NBA title because of the quintet of Giannis, Dame, Khris, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis Jr.
But for the Bucks to achieve their title aspirations, they need another piece who could impact the game on both ends of the floor, and Andre could be that guy.
“He is shaping into being a really really special player in this league,” Griffin said.
