With still two months left in the 2019-20 NBA regular season campaign, the Milwaukee Bucks have already punched themselves a ticket to the postseason.
The Mike Budenholdzer-led squad became the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth, all the while breaking the Golden State Warriors' record for the fastest team to do so.
The Bucks do not even have a scheduled game on Sunday and will return to action on Tuesday against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Milwaukee achieved the feat by technicality since the Chicago Bulls beat the Wizards today, per JR Radcliffe of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
The Bulls beat the Wizards. With that, the #Bucks have clinched a playoff berth. Feb. 23 is the earliest a team has clinched a spot in NBA history, topping 2017 Warriors (Feb. 25).
— JR Radcliffe (@JRRadcliffe) February 24, 2020
The Bucks certainly have redemption in their minds this season, following last year's disappointing defeat to eventual champions Toronto Raptors in the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals.
Milwaukee has distanced itself from the pack since the beginning of the year and ran off with the best record in the league at 48-8.
Apart from the brilliant play of reigning NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and fellow All-Star Khris Middleton, the Bucks are also getting major contributions from the rest of the squad.
Veterans Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez and Kyle Korver have been steady, while the addition of Marvin Williams further bolstered their depth.
The Bucks are definitely strong contenders for the Larry O' Brien trophy this year. They hold victories over the two best teams in the West, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers.
The team must continue their stellar performance in the postseason in hopes of keeping their superstar Antetokounmpo for the long run. Giannis has the option to opt-out of his contract next summer and potentially become a free agent in 2021.
Follow Us
Subscribe