Bucks Zone

“That’s what we need from him” - Coach Adrian Griffin reacts to MarJon Beauchamp’s superb game versus the Chicago Bulls

MarJon did a little bit of everything when the Bucks hurdled their first preseason opener.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK

In this story:

Milwaukee BucksChicago Bulls

To the delight of coach Adrian Griffin, MarJon Beauchamp did a little bit of everything when he powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a 105-102 win over the Chicago Bulls in their first preseason game on Sunday at the Fiserv Forum.

The incoming sophomore scored a game-high 18 points while also grabbing a game-high-tying nine rebounds in a superb showing off the bench.

Solid on both ends of the floor

“He was great on both sides of the ball. We’ve talked about what kind of identity we would want on the defensive end, and I thought he really…he’s buying in,” said Griffin.

“He could be a hell of a defender as well, and then offensively, he was physical with his drives, attacking the rim, not settling. I thought he played a superb game today,” Griffin added.

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and new recruits Cameron Payne and Damian Lillard, the Bucks trailed by as many as 14 points and were down 78-82 to start the fourth period.

Milwaukee mounted a huge run in the fourth, and Beauchamp played a huge role in sealing the comeback by hitting four clutch free throws in the closing seconds.

“MarJon really kept his composure. Playing to the contact. I thought he was great at the end of the game. He stepped up and made his free throws,” Griffin said.

MarJon passed the test

Griffin said the game against Chicago was some sort of a test for Beauchamp, and the new Milwaukee coach gave the youthful forward a passing rate.

“Every game is hard-fought, and there’s always a lesson in every game, and I think MarJon passed the test today,” said Griffin.

Griffin has made it clear that under his watch, the Bucks will be putting a premium on defense. MarJon is one of the Bucks that the coach is counting on to provide that defensive tenacity.

“He has good feet, he has the physical specimen. A lot of defense is really grit, desire, wanting to compete on that end, and then when you have the physical tools, that just makes you even more of a threat on the defensive end. It’s just about will, and he imposed his will tonight on both ends of the ball, and that’s what we need from him, that’s what we need from everybody, buying on the defensive end,” Griffin said.

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.