LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 12: Assistant coach Adrian Griffin of the Toronto Raptors reacts during second-half action against the Philadelphia 76ers after head coach Nick Nurse stepped down for the night to let Griffin coach at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 12, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Adrian Griffin Drops ‘Special’ Praise for Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. After ‘Big’ Night vs. Golden State Warriors
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin couldn’t be any prouder of rookie Andre Jackson Jr. following his breakout game on Saturday against the Golden State Warriors.
Jackson was phenomenal for Milwaukee as he recorded his first pro double-double, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds, along with two assists and one block. More than the numbers, though, the rookie’s hustle and energy were so infectious that it set the right tone for the Bucks.
One of Jackson’s best play on the night came in the third quarter when he blocked fellow rookie and Golden State Warriors rising center Trayce Jackson-Davis. It then led to a Damian Lillard tripl
Andre Jackson Jr. went 5-of-8 from the field in 28 minutes of action. And while he didn’t have the best start, scoring just two points for a -14 plus-minus rating in the first two quarters, he more than made up for it after halftime. Jackson was a +14 in the second half, as he did most of his damage during that stretch.
Naturally, Adrian Griffin was impressed by the youngster. In his postgame presser, Griffin shared his prediction that the rookie will be a “really special player” in the NBA.
“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. He imposes his will on the game. He just made big time plays. He made winning plays,” Griffin said, via Gabe Stoltz of Brew Hoop.
“That’s who Dre is. I think it was his first double-double. We needed every rebound. He had six offensive rebounds. He’s guarding the best player on the other side. He’s shaping into being a really special player in this league.”
e on the other end, which was pretty big considering that the game was tied at 72-72 at that point.
Andre Jackson Jr. Helps Milwaukee Bucks Drop 46 Points in 4th Quarter vs. Golden State Warriors
While Andre Jackson Jr. made life hard for the Golden State Warriors in the second half, it’s important to note that he actually pulled off most of it in the final quarter.
Jackson actually scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds in the final period. With his constant activity on and off the ball, he was pivotal in fueling the Milwaukee Bucks to record 46 points in the quarter, allowing them to run away with the 129-118 victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton were the focal points of the offense in the fourth, but there’s no denying that Jackson was just as important for the team in their hot run.
