Milwaukee coach Scott Skiles knew that it would only be a matter of time before new acquisition Monta Ellis started producing the big scoring numbers he was known for when playing for Golden State.
Ellis torched Atlanta for 33 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bucks’ 108-101 victory over the Hawks.
Before the game, Skiles told reporters that he thought Ellis was close to a big game despite some recent struggles.
“You know when you make a move like that to get a significant player, there has got to be some period of time where you have got to allow for the guy to adjust and people to adjust to him,” Skiles told the Associated Press before Tuesday night’s game. “It wouldn’t surprise me at all for him to have a big breakout game at any moment.”
Skiles’ prediction came correct only a night after Ellis had matched his season low with four points in a loss against New York on Monday night.
In Tuesday’s game, Ellis made 15 of 24 shots, including 7 for 9 in the fourth quarter. He wrapped up the victory with a 15-foot jumper with 1:27 remaining and also added a team-best eight assists.
“I was light on my feet. I was just moving. I went into one of my modes. It felt good,” Ellis told the AP. “I’m glad I was able to show the Bucks tonight. I want to take this game and build off it.”
His big effort helped him lead Tuesday’s Studs and Duds.
STUDS
Milwaukee G Monta Ellis: Erupted for 33 points, eight assists and four rebounds in the Bucks’ victory at Atlanta.
Oklahoma City G Russell Westbrook: Went for 32 points, eight assists, three steals, three rebounds and was plus-14 in the Thunder’s victory at Portland.
Philadelphia G Jodie Meeks: Tallied 31 points, including seven 3-pointers, and was plus-15 in the Sixers’ victory over Cleveland.
Atlanta F Josh Smith: Stuffed the box score with 30 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, two steals and was plus-3 in the Hawks’ loss to Milwaukee.
San Antonio F Tim Duncan: Went for 26 points and 11 rebounds in the Spurs’ triumph at Phoenix — their fifth straight triumph.
DUDS
Cleveland G Kyrie Irving: Clanked through a 4-for-13 shooting night with five turnovers and was a team-worst minus-13 in the Cavaliers’ loss at Philadelphia.
Houston F Patrick Patterson: Went 1 for 7 from the field and was minus-10 in the Rockets’ loss at Dallas.
Portland G Jamal Crawford: Went 1 for 7 from the field with two turnovers and was a team-worst minus-18 in the Trail Blazers’ loss to Oklahoma City.
Atlanta G Jeff Teague: Had seven turnovers and was minus-1 in the Hawks’ loss at Milwaukee.
Minnesota F Derrick Williams: Went 4 of 15 from the field with two turnovers and was minus-6 in the Timberwolves’ loss at Memphis.