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Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to analyze the Milwaukee Bucks.

Location:

United States

Description:

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to analyze the Milwaukee Bucks.

Language:

English

Contact:

414-224-2323


Episodes

Is Damian Lillard the key to Milwaukee returning to title-contender status? (02.23.2024)

2/23/2024
Jim Owczarski, Lori Nickel and JR Radcliffe discuss the Bucks at the all-star break, including Damian Lillard's massive weekend in Indianapolis. What's up with all these weird Bucks sound bites in all-star week interviews? Is this team courting some extra drama, and if so, does that means things have gotten a little desperate? Is the Bucks success as simple as Lillard achieving consistency? What do we make of Doc Rivers so far? Also: Danilo Gallinari? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:53:56

Patrick Beverley and the Bucks at the trade deadline. How concerned should fans be with slow start under Doc Rivers? (02.09.2024)

2/9/2024
Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the Milwaukee Bucks' maneuvers at the NBA trade deadline in this edition of the Point Forward Podcast. How will Patrick Beverley fit? What was the purpose of trading Robin Lopez if it doesn't put the Bucks in better financial position? How alarming is Milwaukee's recent play under new coach Doc Rivers, with five losses in six games? What's Jim watching for at the upcoming NBA all-star game? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:29:54

Bucks make stunning change at head coach; Adrian Griffin out, Doc Rivers in (01.24.2024)

1/24/2024
The Milwaukee Bucks made a big splash on Tuesday, firing first-year head coach Adrian Griffin and replacing him with long-tenured coach and Marquette University alumnus Doc Rivers. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to break down the maneuver. Why was now the time to make a change? What did the Bucks get wrong about Griffin in the hiring process? Will a gambit like this work, considering the Bucks had a 30-13 record under Griffin? Is Doc Rivers the right fit for this team? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:44:43

The Bucks are in a slump. How do they get back to championship-caliber basketball? (01.09.2024)

1/9/2024
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporters Lori Nickel and Jim Owczarski join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the slumping Milwaukee Bucks, who have lost 4 of 5 to start the 2024 half of the season and still haven't fully clicked despite a great record. What has to happen for the Bucks to get back on a championship path? What's the latest evaluation on head coach Adrian Griffin? Is it as simple as Damian Lillard getting back on track? Or Jae Crowder returning? Or getting Bobby Portis in a groove?

Duration:00:58:11

Giannis scores 64 points and battles Indiana for the game ball in wild scene (12.14.2023)

12/14/2023
A wild scene unfolded at Fiserv Forum on Dec. 13, when Giannis Antetokounmpo set a Bucks single-game record with 64 points but then got into a heated exchange with the Indiana Pacers over possession of the game ball. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski discusses what he saw in the Bucks win, what in the world happened and whether or not it ties into the frustration of early-season struggles (albeit struggles that have still come with a good win-loss record). Jim and host JR Radcliffe look back at the reporting around Bobby Portis' challenge of head coach Adrian Griffin following the loss in Las Vegas, and it's another chance to get a progress report on how the Bucks have developed. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:50:21

Did the Bucks and Adrian Griffin turn a corner after their rocky start? (11.20.2023)

11/20/2023
Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe are back to give an early-season progress report on the Bucks. After a shaky start, have they turned a corner? Specifically, has head coach Adrian Griffin rapidly evolved after some early struggles? How has the Damian Lillard-Giannis Antetokounmpo dynamic played out? How much thought and worry should we put into the Khris Middleton return-to-full-strength timetable, and how bad of a loss is Jae Crowder? Plus: Malik Beasley, Andre Jackson, Giannis still taking long-distance shots and the upcoming litmus test with Boston and Jrue Holiday. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:48:56

Giannis signs extension for three more years and the 2023-24 season preview (10.24.2023)

10/24/2023
Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the new extension for Giannis Antetokounmpo, one that caught everyone by surprise Monday night. Including the guys who already had a podcast ready to go ... oops. After discussing the elements that led Giannis to stay on in Milwaukee, they look at the season preview as a whole, including the massive acquisition of Damian Lillard. What will Milwaukee's defense look like this year? What questions remain about first-year head coach Adrian Griffin, especially after assistant coach Terry Stotts resigned? What do we make of newcomers Cameron Payne, Malik Beasley and even Robin Lopez? Who's the favorite in the East? The guys make some predictions and get you set for the season opener Thursday. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:01:09:26

Emergency Podcast: Bucks trade for star point guard Damian Lillard (09.27.2023)

9/27/2023
The Milwaukee Bucks became the surprise winner of the Damian Lillard sweepstakes Wednesday, acquiring the Portland Trail Blazers star in a three-way deal that sent Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen elsewhere. The Bucks now find themselves as the favorite to win the East, and maybe the NBA title. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss what level of urgency, if any, Bucks GM Jon Horst was operating in making the deal. Should we have seen this coming, given the previous friendliness between Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo? Should we be concerned it's not Miami, his reported preferred destination? Could it backfire? How does it change the shape of the Bucks? Will the Bucks fill that last roster spot with Allen's replacement in the starting lineup? Did this really just happen? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:31:12

How will the tax-apron situation impact Milwaukee and a look back at summer league (07.21.2023)

7/21/2023
What were the takeaways, if any, for the Milwaukee Bucks from the summer league? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski is back from Las Vegas with some thoughts, limited as they might be for the 2023-24 regular-season Bucks. He talks about his conversation with general manager Jon Horst, including the revelation that the Bucks are past the second tax apron. What does that mean in the short term and long term? Who's going to shoot the ball for the Bucks this year? What's the latest on Giannis Antetokounmpo and his availability for the FIBA World Cup? What do we make of the new in-season tournament? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:40:22

Khris and Brook are back, summer league is here and we have a lot to catch up on (07.10.2023)

7/8/2023
So much has happened since the last podcast, including the re-signing of Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Jae Crowder and ... surprise! ... Robin Lopez and Malik Beasley. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski looks at the entire free agency situation and what it says about Adrian Griffin's coaching philosophy, Milwaukee's chances next year and the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jim and host JR Radcliffe discuss what comes next for Thanasis Antetokounmpo, who doesn't currently have a roster spot. How are the Bucks going to obtain a backup point guard? What will Jim be watching for in Vegas at the summer league games? What do we make of draft picks Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston? Should Bucks fans be suspicious of how quietly the team announced that Giannis had knee surgery? Are the Bucks still a favorite in the Eastern Conference? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:52:11

Bucks officially hire new head coach Adrian Griffin (06.07.2023)

6/7/2023
The Milwaukee Bucks officially have a new head coach with the announcement of Adrian Griffin as the lead man. Reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel were there, and they discuss with podcast host JR Radcliffe their takeaways from the press conference. How will he fit with the current roster (including the players who are free agents)? Will he fortify a strong relationship with Giannis? What about the domestic abuse allegations levied by his ex-wife in 2020 (leading to Griffin filing a defamation lawsuit)? Are there any other story lines to care about beyond Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez in the upcoming free-agency scramble? What about the draft? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:44:22

Let's discuss Adrian Griffin, reportedly the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks (05.31.2023)

5/31/2023
Jim, Lori and JR are back to discuss Adrian Griffin, the former Raptors assistant who's reportedly about to become the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. They talk about his fit as a player and a person, the role of Giannis Antetokounmpo in the search, the uncertainty of a hire without head-coaching experience, the accusations of domestic abuse from 2020 (and the lawsuit he brought against his accuser, his ex-wife) and what questions still remain about the hire and the process. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:34:29

The Bucks coaching search intensifies and forecasting the future of Giannis (05.22.2023)

5/22/2023
Admittedly, we recorded this just before news that the Bucks coaching search has zoomed in on Nick Nurse, Kenny Atkinson and Adrian Griffin, but Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at where things stand in the Bucks coaching search, what traits the team is looking for and what kind of timeline might exist for an announcement. Then, it's a look to the future. What are the odds Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez be back? How much will the new coach influence that decision? And what about Giannis Antetokounmpo? He's here next year, but would he theoretically want out the year after that if the Bucks aren't making strides, and how do the economics of basketball complicate that type of situation? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:45:54

Mike Budenholzer is out at Bucks coach. We discuss every angle. (05.08.2023)

5/8/2023
While teams are playing in the conference semifinals, the Milwaukee Bucks are looking for a new coach. Quite the unexpected turn of events! Reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the end of Mike Budenholzer's tenure with the Bucks after five seasons following a shocking first-round playoff exit, and we have many questions. Would this move have happened anyway if the Bucks beat the Heat? Are we sure Milwaukee can find someone better? Who are the candidates to take his place? Does the timing, without someone new ready to step in, tell us anything about the process? How much is Giannis Antetokounmpo involved? Do we have to think about Marc Lasry's decision to sell his ownership stake differently now? Will the Bucks even have another opportunity to win a championship in the Giannis Era? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:56:54

Disaster in Milwaukee: What went wrong in the Bucks shocking first-round playoff loss? (04.27.2023)

4/27/2023
The 2023 season is over, ending in a shocking five-game loss to the Miami Heat. Bucks reporters Jim Owczarski and Lori Nickel join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the improbable setback, capped by a 16-point meltdown in Game 5 at Fiserv Forum. What are the root causes for the loss? What do they make of Mike Budenholzer's decision not to use timeouts in certain situations, and what about his rotation and other coaching maneuvers? Will this team have a new head coach next year, or should it? Jim has an interesting take on Giannis Antetokounmpo's comments on failure after the game as well as his play throughout the series. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:01:06:56

The Bucks are facing a 3-1 deficit and we are freaking out (04.25.2023)

4/25/2023
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a massive bind after a meltdown in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round, facing a 3-1 deficit and the prospect of being eliminated by the No. 8 seed. Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe discuss the shocking result, the injury and health status of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the struggles of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday (and everyone else, for that matter), and the future of Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer if this ends in defeat. But can we discount this team's ability to bounce back and win the series? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:47:51

Bucks go on record-setting 3-point barrage to win Game 2 and even series (04.20.2023)

4/20/2023
Jim Owczarski, Lori Nickel and JR Radcliffe look at a lopsided Game 2 win at Fiserv Forum on April 19, during which the Milwaukee Bucks tied an NBA record with 25 three-pointers. Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, it was a winning combination and helped Milwaukee even the first-round series at 1-1. Why was Pat Connaughton, one of the stars of the night, missing from the late-season rotation again? Have we talked enough about Joe Ingles? Brook Lopez, after being passed over for Defensive Player of the Year, shines again. It was a thrilling night, but can the Miami Heat still mount on obstacle without injured Tyler Herro? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:25:11

Game 1 loss to Heat could be extra painful with Giannis Antetokounmpo injury (04.17.2023)

4/17/2023
The Bucks are facing another 0-1 series deficit after a setback against the Miami Heat on Sunday, one that featured an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. What was the temperature around the team postgame? Journal Sentinel writers Lori Nickel and Jim Owczarski join host JR Radcliffe to discuss the landscape if Giannis can't play in Game 2 and what the Heat showed that might be sustainable going forward. They also discuss the finality of the Haslams purchasing Marc Lasry's ownership stock in the franchise and Jim's ballots for the various postseason awards; will Brook Lopez be awarded Defensive Player of the Year on Monday night? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:52:59

Get to know the Miami Heat, the Bucks first-round playoff opponent (04.14.2023)

4/14/2023
Host JR Radcliffe is joined by ESPN West Palm's Ken LaVicka, who offers insight into the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff opponent, the Miami Heat. How does a team go from the top seed in the East to the eighth in one year with roughly the same roster? How does Miami perceive Marquette University alumnus Jimmy Butler and Whitnall High School graduate Tyler Herro? Is Bam Adebayo still seen as a Giannis Stopper? Is it at least possible this team offers Milwaukee a threat? The two teams will square off Sunday in Game 1. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:00:14:51

The highlights of the 2022-23 regular season and Khris Middleton's health (04.11.2023)

4/11/2023
It's a full house for a lengthy Point Forward Podcast, with Jim Owczarski, Lori Nickel, Ben Steele and JR Radcliffe looking at the best of the 2022-23 season. Who was the team's non-Giannis MVP? What was the best game? The biggest surprise? The coolest moment? They also discuss the team's relative health heading into the playoffs, especially Khris Middleton. Is he going to be here next year? Plus, another look at the flour possible opponents in the first round, which begins Sunday (but Milwaukee won't know the foe until Friday). Should Ray Allen's jersey be up in the rafters? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Duration:01:02:49