Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Milwaukee Bucks quest for 70 wins, or at least the franchise record of 66. Is that a realistic goal? What should fans make of Giannis Antetokounmpo's balky back? Plus: a check in on which players we should expect dealt if the team makes a trade, a trip to fantasyland to ponder the Bucks signing Anthony Davis in the offseason, and whither DJ Wilson? Is the MVP Award locked up?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Milwaukee's success since that loss on Christmas Day, including the interior dominance of the Lopez brothers. They chat Eric Bledsoe's return, Ersanity, Khris Middleton's all-star résumé and the best Bucks games of the 2010s. We're a month away from the trade deadline; would the Bucks tinker with a roster that has won 32 of its first 37 games? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe and looks back at Milwaukee's magical win over the Los Angeles Lakers; just how big a deal was it? Plus, is Brook Lopez back and are we ready to put the What-If Malcolm Brogdon story line to bed? We look ahead to the big Christmas showdown in Philadelphia. Then, JR chats with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo (34:45) to talk about the upcoming game in Paris, the recent visit to a Kenosha correctional institution, WWE warmup rituals and LeBron James. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Milwaukee Bucks winning streak stopped at 18 heading into a highly intriguing regular-season showdown with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez discusses the areas the Bucks could stand to improve, and what does Matt want to see against LeBron, AD and company as an indicator for what's to come in the playoffs? Does the Lakers game lose its juice now? Why is it so difficult to replace Eric Bledsoe? Should we be optimistic that the Bucks have won so many games without playing their self-described best, or nervous that they can't seem to find that consistent level?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks have won 15 straight, and not that we're looking ahead (we totally are), but the Lakers game Dec. 19 would represent a franchise-record tying 20th. What does this streak mean to the Bucks, who obviously have bigger fish to fry? How is this team doing it with lesser 3-point shooting than last year? What was it like inside Fiserv Forum during the dazzling win over the Clippers? Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss that, plus Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzo.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe and tries to name as many members as he can of the 1981-82 Bucks team, the last Bucks team to win 12 straight. Why isn't Milwaukee on fire with Bucks fever? What are Matt's impressions of Khris Middleton's return from injury, Robin Lopez's ascension in Brook's absence and Dragan Bender? Plus: Who's contending with Giannis for MVP at this point?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss a virtuoso performance by Giannis Antetokounmpo on Monday. Matt points out why the exhausting effort may not automatically foretell "load management" in Giannis's future. Plus: When can we expect to see Khris Middleton back, how has the team been so hot without him and is Brook Lopez better than he's ever been as an interior defender? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Host JR Radcliffe chats with Wes Matthews, a new member of the Bucks with a decorated past in Wisconsin hoops (31:00), and Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez chats about the officiating against Giannis Antetokounmpo, the reigning MVP's newfound 3-point shot, Eric Bledsoe and early-season surprises around the league. His dog, Rudy, makes his podcast debut. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Khris Middleton is a polarizing player among the Bucks fan base, and now we'll see how the team fares without him for a few weeks. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the fallout from Middleton's injury, a struggling bench getting shorter and the never-ending binary between Middleton and Malcolm Brogdon (who's tearing it up for the Pacers). The guys discuss Milwaukee's 3-1 road trip. Plus: Is Giannis better than ever? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to talk about the Bucks point guard, one who started slowly but who seems to have righted the ship. Would the team entertain finding someone to take Bledsoe's place this year? What's this about Chris Paul expressing interest? Plus: What's up with the Bucks struggling to get to the basket, Donte DiVincenzo and a big looming battle with the Clippers.

The Milwaukee Bucks are 2-1 but haven't looked as dominant as we may have suspected. Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss it. What's the deal with all the fouls on Giannis? How was his disposition after refuting THAT quote from Harvard? Is Miami maybe for real? Plus: the schedule ahead looks gruesome.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to play a game of Buy or Sell on the eve of the Bucks season opener. Should the Bucks be favored to win it all? Are they better this team than last year? Should there be concern about Eric Bledsoe's playoff struggles? Will Giannis repeat as MVP? Who will be the biggest offseason addition? Plus, some discussion about Giannis Antetokounmpo saying pointedly that team success will factor into his long-term plans. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the injury to Eric Bledsoe, the fascinating Dragan Bender and takeaways from the first four preseason games. Plus: How do we get pumped for the regular season if we know the Bucks are going to the playoffs, and how could the dispute from China directly impact Milwaukee's roster situation? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss all things Milwaukee Bucks as they prepare to kick off their preseason slate Monday night in Chicago. Should we still be confident about Giannis signing the supermax even though he doesn't want to discuss his contract during the season? Who's the top candidate to take Malcolm Brogdon's spot in the starting lineup? How will Milwaukee use newcomers Robin Lopez, Kyle Korver and a healthy Donte DiVincenzo? Should we be bracing ourselves for national outlets to overlook the Bucks when they pick their title favorites?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to chat about the newest signing, Kyle Korver. We know he fits on offense, but what about defense? Plus: the signing of Thanasis Antetokounmpo and the topic that's going to dominate conversation for the next year: Will Giannis want to stay? A look back at that potential trade exception the Bucks didn't get and is there anyone to fear other than Philadelphia in the East?

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez tries to make sense of a crazy start to free agency, with the returns of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and George Hill ... but the loss of Malcolm Brogdon. He and host JR Radcliffe discuss newcomers Robin Lopez and Wes Matthews, as well, plus the new look to the Eastern Conference. Are the Bucks still the team to beat? Are they better or worse than before? Why should fans stop focusing on the dollars for Middleton and what moves are left to make?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss any updated expectations for the Milwaukee Bucks when free agency opens June 30. Are there ANY external names to keep watch for? What did Matt think of the pre-draft trade that shipped the 30th pick and Tony Snell to the Pistons (spoiler alert: "meh"), and what would it mean if Kemba Walker joined the Celtics? Plus: a look back at a big night in the NBA Awards, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Mike Budenholzer and Jon Horst all acknowledged for their huge seasons. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez swings by in the days before the NBA Draft to discuss a myriad of Bucks topics, including how he tracked down his amazing Father's Day story involving Khris Middleton's premature newborn. Should we just assume Middleton will be back for max money? Let's assume someone like Kawhi Leonard wants to play in Milwaukee; how would the Bucks logistically pull that off? Which of the Big Three free agents (Middleton, Lopez, Brogdon) will be the most complicated to retain? What's Milwaukee's biggest need, either through the draft or free agency? What are the options the Bucks have with the 30th pick? How does the development of DJ Wilson and Donte DiVincenzo factor in, if at all? Who might be some free agents that fit with the Bucks? How will the Eastern Conference shape up next year, especially with KD and Klay missing in action? What are the chances the Bucks surprise us when the June 30 free-agency period arrives? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to look back at the short-circuited Milwaukee Bucks playoff run. What was one thing the Bucks needed to curb a string of four straight losses? How does Matt evaluate Giannis's performance. Should Bucks fans be worried that Giannis would go elsewhere in 2020? How does the team address the contract situations of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez and Malcolm Brogdon? What do we make of Niko Mirotic?Then, former Bucks TV and radio host Eddie Doucette chats about the Bucks of the 1970s and 1980s and compares them to what Milwaukee had this season. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Milwaukee's three best players struggled in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, and Milwaukee took its first loss of the series -- but still forced two overtimes. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss whether that's a good or bad thing now that Milwaukee's series lead has been trimmed to 2-1. What are the circumstances that actually create a poor Giannis performance? What's up with Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton? Will the Kawhi Leonard injury become a factor as the series wears on? Where would the Bucks be without Malcolm Brogdon? And, if you don't mind us looking ahead, how do they match up with the Golden State Warriors? Plus, a meditation on the star power in the crowd at Fiserv Forum. Where is our Drake?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to preview the Eastern Conference finals, beginning Wednesday in Milwaukee. How will the Bucks try to stop Toronto's Kawhi Leonard, and likewise, how will the Raptors try and contain Giannis Antetokounmpo? Who else is going to present a matchup problem? How much will we see Malcolm Brogdon on the floor? The Petty Horn returns, plus a brief look back at 2001 and the "conspiracy" of the last Eastern Conference Finals involving the Bucks. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez stayed up late to chat about the Bucks dominant 116-91 win over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, a game that gave the Bucks their first ticket to the Eastern Conference finals since 2001. Matt joined host JR Radcliffe to talk about the elements that helped Milwaukee win four straight games against Boston, what elements could get even better in the next round, and what he saw from Malcolm Brogdon in his first game back from injury. Did Giannis actually somehow find another level in this series, and when did the Bucks bench become chock full of superstars? Plus: three stunning stats from this series and a preview of what's to come.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks responded in a big way Tuesday at Fiserv Forum with a 123-102 win over Boston to even their Eastern Conference Semifinals series at 1-1, and now they hit the road to Boston needing a win at TD Garden. Journal Sentinel reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the adjustments the Bucks made to rebound, the methods to defend Al Horford and Kyrie Irving, the change in the starting lineup and the wizardry of Playoff Khris Middleton. What are Matt's expectations on the availability of Malcolm Brogdon going forward, and how has Giannis dealt with Boston's frustrating defense? Matt also offers his evaluation of the Fiserv Forum crowd in Games 1 and 2, and the national guys that wrote off Milwaukee after the first game … did they have a point? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to break down the matchup ahead after the Bucks dismissed the Pistons in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Can we stop being at least mildly concerned about the health of Giannis? Is Al Horford still the biggest matchup problem to watch? Whose job is it to contain Kyrie? If Malcolm Brogdon returns from injury, how many minutes does he figure to see? What went wrong for the Celtics this season, and have they fixed it? And just what are the odds that the Bucks lose this series? Plus, a brief look back at the Pistons series -- and is there any chance the Bucks will someday regret letting Thon Maker go? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks have taken a 2-0 lead on the Detroit Pistons in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to break it all down. They discuss the absence of Blake Griffin, the bounceback of Eric Bledsoe from last year's playoff series, playoff officiating toward Giannis Antetokounmpo, the huge minutes provided by Pat Connaughton and a potential second-round meeting with the Boston Celtics.Then, JR chats with Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham about the 2000-01 playoffs -- the last time Milwaukee escaped the first round. Ham was on the team that went to the Eastern Conference Finals. What were the lasting memories, and what does Ham think about the "conspiracy" around the series (spoiler: he's not dismissing it)? Could the 2001 Bucks compete in today's NBA?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Milwaukee Bucks finished the regular season with the best record in the NBA, and now, finally, comes the fun part. Journal Sentinel beat writer Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the first-round opponent Detroit Pistons, how injuries will factor into the Bucks' destiny, Sterling Brown in the starting lineup, the race for postseason hardware and the national pundits down on the Bucks ... do they have a point?Playoff Thon is back!Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Kane Pitman serves as special guest this week, chatting about the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo, where Mike Budenholzer falls in the Coach of the Year race and where Sterling Brown could fit into the long term picture in light of his big game Sunday.Kane then goes into his own amazing back story. He's gone from working at an oil refinery in his native Australia to self-funding an extended stay in Wisconsin to cover the Bucks. He talks about his fandom dating back to the early 2000s, Andrew Bogut, navigating the NBA media culture and, you know, his accent.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez looks at the MVP clash between James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the wake of Milwaukee's win over Houston on Tuesday. What's up with that Harden ad in the newspaper (though shoutout to Adidas for supporting local journalism!)? The Bucks social media team was spitting fire during the contest. Meanwhile, the battle to face the Bucks in the first round is a tightly contested three-team race right now, and is former Bucks coach Jason Kidd in the mix to be Lakers coach?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez stops by to discuss the suddenly limping Milwaukee Bucks, beset by injuries and just 5-5 in their last 10 games and a most recent loss against lowly Cleveland. How will they maneuver with Malcolm Brogdon sidelined for possibly the rest of the season (though hopefully back by the second round of the playoffs)? How serious should we be viewing the Giannis Antetokounmpo ankle injury that's kept him out back-to-back games? Should we be freaking out about how good the Sixers have started to look? Also, a full breakdown of the machinations in play that led to the Bucks cutting Christian Wood and the return of the Petty Horn. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Milwaukee's next two foes -- Miami and Philadelphia -- could conceivably also serve as the Bucks' first two opponents in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez breaks down how the matchups might play out with host JR Radcliffe. Plus: a deep dive into the value of Malcolm Brogdon, the disappearing minutes of DJ Wilson in the Mirotic era and does Giannis get superstar whistles? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss something that hasn't happened to the Milwaukee Bucks all season -- two straight losses. Of course it's not time to panic, but are there any bad omens to recognize, particularly on defense? Does the schedule ahead present any problems as the Bucks try to hold on to the top seed in the Eastern Conference? Also, a breakdown of the contract signed by Eric Bledsoe and the debut of the Petty Horn, an indication of delicious NBA pettiness on display. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

On this special EMERGENCY BRUNCH Bucks podcast, Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez chats live from LAX about the Bucks new four-year deal for Eric Bledsoe and news that the team was bringing in veteran big man Pau Gasol. Hear from Eric Bledsoe himself (well, in a chat before the contract business was announced).Plus, Matt and host JR Radcliffe discuss Milwaukee's two most recent wins, impressive road showings against the Lakers and the Kings. This time, Team Giannis got the best of Team LeBron.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to break down Milwaukee's 3-0 start out of the all-star break, including the wacky final moments of the win over Boston. What kind of challenges would Boston present in a playoff series? Does it seem national writers recognize just how good this Bucks team has been? What are the early impressions of Nikola Mirotic, and how key was he in the team's win over Chicago without Giannis on the floor? Plus: a couple injury updates (whither Donte DiVincenzo?) and a look back at lasting impressions from all-star weekend.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Nearly two decades ago, the Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team made an improbable run to the Final Four and set the table for a cycle of success that featured 19 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament for a program that was seldom a qualifier for the Big Dance beforehand. Hear from players on that team -- Mike Kelley, Andy Kowske, Mark Vershaw, Jon Bryant and Maurice Linton -- as well as coach Dick Bennett. They think back to those four wins in March and subsequent loss in the national semifinal and attempt to paint a picture of how a team without any all-conference players could have huge postseason success. This special episode and more can be found at the Journal Sentinel Wisconsin Badgers podcast feed at Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Spotify. Audio clips from NCAA on YouTube. Music: Scott Holmes, "Driven To Success" available at freemusicarchive.org.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the best team in the NBA at the all-star break. What would make Indiana a challenge in the playoffs? Could the Bucks endure a short-term injury to Giannis? When will we finally see Nikola Mirotic suit up for his new team? The guys also discuss Giannis's intriguing television preferences and what they're looking forward to this weekend during the all-star showcase. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks made a big splash at the trade deadline Thursday, acquiring Pelicans forward Nikola Mirotic, with Thon Maker heading to Detroit and Stanley Johnson and Jason Smith en route to New Orleans. Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe and breaks it all down. How does it help the Bucks? Whose minutes will Mirotic get? Was this as big of a steal as it looks? Who else might the Bucks add to fill the final available roster spot? What other trades before Thursday's NBA trade deadline could impact Milwaukee and its chief competition? Matt also chats about the NBA all-star draft Thursday, with Giannis making his picks for the big showcase (including teammate Khris Middleton). And what about that 50-point first quarter and 148-point showing against the Wizards on Wednesday? Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez discusses what you need to know about Anthony Davis's interest in Milwaukee, and why a trade for the Pelicans superstar remains virtually impossible. Matt and host JR Radcliffe also chat about the scintillating win over the Raptors last week, the Bucks' potential moves at the trade deadline and all-star Khris Middleton -- who'll be participating in the 3-point contest. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Journal Sentinel Bucks reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss Thon Maker's recent request to seek a trade from the Bucks, and is there any chance another player in the same boat -- Pelicans star Anthony Davis -- could end up in Milwaukee? Also, Giannis is an all-star captain; who's he gonna take with his first pick? The Bucks have split two games since we last chatted, and the Charlotte Hornets could easily be a first-round playoff matchup. How do they match up with the Bucks?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

As Giannis Antetokounmpo heads toward becoming an All-Star Game "captain" and Marques Johnson sees his jersey rise to the rafters at Fiserv Forum, Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez discusses whether or not another Bucks player could get similar treatment before Giannis does. Redd? Allen? Big Dog? Host JR Radcliffe and Matt also discuss the team's five-game winning streak, the prospects of Eric Bledsoe or Khris Middleton making the all-star team and the intriguing journey Johnson took to finally getting his jersey retired.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Journal Sentinel Bucks beat writer Matt Velazquez discusses the team's recent loss to Washington and why it wasn't all that disappointing. Does Giannis Antetokounmpo get a leg up in the MVP race after the Bucks went to Houston and won? What makes this team so tough in third quarters? Could Brook Lopez realistically compete in the 3-point contest on All-Star weekend? What's ahead for Milwaukee as it hits the road in Memphis and Orlando? I mean, the obvious answer is Splash Mountain on Splash Mountain.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

We've all been operating under the assumption that Giannis is the favorite to win the NBA MVP for the 2018-19 season, but is he? We'll learn more Wednesday when the Bucks travel to Houston and face the reigning MVP and co-favorite for the award, James Harden. Journal Sentinel Bucks beat writer Matt Velazquez chats about that meeting, plus the Bucks' recent hard-fought win over Utah and tough loss at the hands of Eastern Conference heavyweight Toronto. Just how daunting is that road ahead, with 13 of 18 games away from Fiserv Forum, and what has Matt seen from George Hill and Thon Maker in recent games? After that, host JR Radcliffe chats with DJ Wilson about his emergence in the Bucks rotation, his underdog story dating back to high school and Michigan hoops. Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks have won four straight, eight of nine and own the best record in the NBA after victories on both Christmas and New Year's Day. Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez swings by to discuss the state of the high-flying Bucks, from Brook Lopez's all-star candidacy to the emergence of DJ Wilson to the MVP case for Giannis Antetokounmpo. What were Matt's impressions of Milwaukee's first Christmas Day game since 1977? What does he make of the upcoming games against Eastern Conference heavyweight Toronto and Houston -- a team with another viable MVP candidate?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks win back-to-back road games with some big minutes from DJ Wilson and Sterling Brown, plus some peak Giannis. Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Malcolm Brogdon absence, the guard rotation, the Earned Jerseys, Christmas in New York and #TheThing making an appearance in Milwaukee's narrow win over Detroit.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

We have a trade! Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez breaks down the motivation behind the swap that sent John Henson and Matthew Dellavedova to Cleveland and brought in George Hill and Jason Smith. Was there ever a chance the Bucks could land Sam Dekker? Also, a look back at a week that featured a loss to Golden State and an impressive win over Toronto. Malcolm Brogdon was huge in the latter game; what's his future in Milwaukee beyond 2018-19? Plus: big minutes for Sterling Brown.Then, host JR Radcliffe chats with Pat Connaughton about his baseball background (the Baltimore Orioles still own his rights), his "Planet Pat" nickname and playing pickup basketball games in his home state of Massachusetts -- where his name is on the court.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the rare benching of Khris Middleton in New York and Middleton's long-term future in Milwaukee, as well as the team's up-and-down play against Chicago and the Knicks. Is the Mario Hezojna-Giannis beef foolishness? Plus, a look ahead to a big stretch with Golden State and Toronto on the docket.Then, JR asks some Very Important Questions to Bucks forward Brook Lopez, with topics ranging from cats to hair to swimming to Star Wars.

The Milwaukee Bucks split their four most recent games, including two tough one-possession losses to Charlotte and Phoenix. Host JR Radcliffe asks Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez: is it OK to feel really bummed about the past week of play? Matt takes a look at the Bucks a quarter of the way into the season, examines if Giannis is the MVP frontrunner and analyzes where Thon Maker fits into the grand scheme.Where does Giannis' crazy spin move against the Suns rank among his greatest plays ever, and my word, did Milwaukee really score 143 on the West-leading Blazers?Matt also chats about his beard (and Thon Maker's thoughts on the topic), plus a call out to anyone willing and able to make a video featuring all of Ersan Ilyasova's drawn charges.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the 12-4 Bucks, who've been walking a high-wire act with some wild rallies lately. Topics include the late-game excellence of Eric Bledsoe (again), the injuries to John Henson and Donte DiVincenzo, the absurdity of the Bulls game, the City Jerseys and the availability of Wizards players now that Washington has imploded.Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Bucks beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to talk about the Milwaukee Bucks' four-game road trip on the west coast. They split but managed wildly impressive wins over the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. Are they the best team in the NBA?Matt discusses the Brook Lopez Revolution, the emergence of Eric Bledsoe as a late-game option, the return of Jabari Parker to Milwaukee this week and those gold city jerseys. Yay or nay?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

Journal Sentinel beat reporter Matt Velazquez joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the Bucks two most recent games, a loss to Boston that nonetheless offered some optimism and a dominant win over Sacramento. As the Bucks head out west for four games, it's becoming more and more clear that this team is for real. What does Matt think the team still has to show out west? What's his evaluation of the Eric Bledsoe trade, one year later. Is Mike Budenholzer really the difference between last year's so-so showing and this year's powerhouse? Does the 117-113 loss to Boston count as a disappointment or as reason to be even more excited?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.

The Bucks will celebrate Halloween with a perfect record, heading into a fascinating Thursday clash with the Boston Celtics. Journal Sentinel beat writer Matt Velazquez dives into the team's impressive win over the Toronto Raptors (without Giannis) as well as the other elements that have enabled the Bucks to match their best start in franchise history at 7-0. Matt and host JR Radcliffe discuss the resurgence of Thon and the play of Ersan, the health of Milwaukee's superstar and a thought experiment: how would the dominoes have fallen if the Bucks had drafted Golden State's Klay Thompson in 2011?Music intro: "Wide Eyes" by Chad Crouch, available at freemusicarchive.org and soundofpicture.com.