For the first time since 2019, the Milwaukee Bucks' coaches and players had a full offseason and training camp to rest, recover, add new offensive and defensive set-ups, and just generally prepare for what they hope is another long march to the NBA Finals. Now, this Bucks squad is cementing itself as one of the favorites to win the 2022-23 NBA title.
The Bucks have a 51-20 regular season record with 11 games to go. They have the best record in the Central Division, Eastern Conference, and the entire NBA as of this writing. With that said, let’s take a look at three reasons why the Bucks can successfully secure the title in the 2023 NBA Finals.
Here are the NBA Finals odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Finals: Milwaukee Bucks Odds
Outright Betting Odds: +290
NBA Finalists 2022-2023
versus Phoenix Suns: +700
versus Denver Nuggets: +800
versus Los Angeles Clippers: +1100
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3 reasons the Milwaukee Bucks will win the 2023 NBA Finals
1. Staying the Course and Being Patient
There have been some changes in head coach Mike Budenholzer’s coaching staff. However, the team from the front office to the end of the bench is largely intact from their title-winning season.
Seven players on the championship squad from 2020-21 are still with the team: Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connnaughton. Donte DiVincenzo, George Hill, Jordan Nwora, PJ Tucker, Serge Ibaka, Bryn Forbes, and Jeff Teague have since left the team. Meanwhile, Wesley Matthews, Grayson Allen, and Jevon Carter are all in at least their second season with the team. New signings for the Bucks include MarJon Beauchamp, Joe Ingles, Goran Dragic, and Meyers Leonard.
All in all, the Bucks are home to a veteran group that has won many games and will not be surprised by anything that happens in the regular season or playoffs. Most of their players have numerous playoff experiences with significant playing time with their former squads, so it will not be surprising if the Bucks can reach the NBA Finals with their formidable team.
With little team drama brewing, the Bucks are surely counting on their winning culture to capture the third crown for Milwaukee.
2. Bigger Attention to Defense
Defense wins championships. Right now, the Bucks have allowed the ninth-fewest points in the league. Their +3.9 net rating also ranks fourth in the NBA. As a team, they are impenetrable, which is only part of why bookmakers favor them to win the NBA championship this year.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez have helped anchor the Bucks’ defense. The team's 37.6 defensive rebounds and 48.9 total rebounds are the best marks for any team in the league. Milwaukee is also posting 5.0 blocks and 6.4 steals while drawing 19.0 personal fouls every ball game. Opponents are only making 16.4 points off turnovers, 13.4 second-chance points, 12.9 fast break points, and 48.8 paint points: all marks belong within the top 13 of the league.
It is also notable that in previous years, the Bucks would shrug off an opponent hitting a record number of three-pointers either in the regular season or the playoffs. This year, the Bucks put emphasis on limiting the number of three attempts and contesting the ones that do go up more often. By recognizing that their players have lengthy wingspans, pesky hands-on defense, and gritty approaches on one-on-ones, the Bucks have now utilized this approach against three-point-reliant teams.
3. Health brings Wealth
Injuries have played a big part in the Bucks' campaign thus far.
The Bucks' Big Four have been bitten by the injury bug this season. Jrue Holiday had been hampered by a strained hamstring and Khris Middleton has had to work himself back into form after wrist and knee ailments. Giannis Antetokounmpo has also needed tune-up absences. Brook Lopez has seen a few absences. The four All-Stars have found success in the last couple of months of playing together while healthy. In addition, Budenholzer's tactic of bringing Middleton off the bench has been beneficial.
Grayson Allen, Joe Ingles, MarJon Beauchamp, AJ Green, and Pat Connaughton have also spent some time on the treatment table. New acquisitions Jae Crowder, Meyers Leonard, and Goran Dragic are still nursing their injuries.
With the playoffs nearing and the regular season closing after 11 games, the Bucks will surely limit the playing time of their players. The Bucks have shown that they can dominate despite a roster reduction in the last regular season fixtures. Milwaukee's record has been solid this season, and with the main rotation players being well-rested with the other players getting playing time and momentum, all this will just be beneficial to Milwaukee's solid season.
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