Bucks Zone

"You have to be willing to take that challenge" - Wesley Matthews talks about defensive success against DeMar DeRozan

Wesley Matthews showed why he is one of the league’s top two-way guards.
Matthew Dugandzic|
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Milwaukee Bucks

Wesley Matthews's ability to defend the opponent's best player was put to the test on Wednesday night. He passed the test with flying colors.

Matthews showed why he is one of the league's top two-way guards when he shut down DeMar DeRozan in the Milwaukee Bucks' 105-92 win over the Chicago Bulls 105-92.

Matthews came off the bench to contain DeRozan, who was virtually a non-factor in his team's 13-point loss.DeRozan played for 36 points but scored just eight points on a dismal 3-for-12 shooting from the field.

Harassed by Matthew throughout the game, DeRozan didn't score a single point in the first three quarters. His first two points of the game came via two free throws at the 11:44 mark of the fourth period.

Stepping up to the challenge

Matthews said one way to contain DeRozan is to limit his free throw attempts. The 16-year veteran did just that, as DeRozan only went to the free-throw line twice in the entire match.

"The biggest thing is to try to keep him off the free throw line, try to make him as uncomfortable as possible. He's got an array of moves. You have to be willing to take that challenge," said Matthews.

The defensive ace said it is always a challenge to go up against DeRozan, who was held down way below his average of 24.9 points a game.

"He's one of the best scorers this league has seen," Matthews said. "We've been battling for 14 years now, and he; 's one of my favorite players to play against, one of my favorite players to watch."

All-around brilliance

Aside from shutting down DeRozan, Matthews also contributed in other aspects to the victory that allowed the Bucks to secure the top seed going into the playoffs.

Matthews finished with seven points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and a block.

DeRozan vowed that it was the last time fans would see him shoot the ball that poorly.

"It won't happen again. I guarantee you," he said.

The Bucks have secured the top seed, while the Bulls are already assured of a play-in berth. Hence, the likelihood of the two teams facing in the playoffs is still a possibility. It would be interesting to see how DeRozan will perform should he and Matthews cross paths in the playoffs.

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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.