The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the most captivating storylines of the 2018-19 season. They're currently the one seed in the Eastern Conference and have the best record in the NBA at 43-14. In head coach Mike Budenholzer's first year in Milwaukee, he has transformed the Bucks. They're an elite unit on both ends and a force to be reckoned with. With that said, there are some who will be skeptical of the Bucks until they go on a deep playoff run.
In the three playoff appearances they've made in the Giannis Antetokounmpo era, the Bucks have been eliminated in the first round every year. It's bizarre, difficult to comprehend, and goes against the model of a young core taking the next step. At the same time, the Bucks have won more games this season than they did in the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons; they're playing differently and beating powerhouse teams in both conferences. The Bucks are also devoid of distractions.
Last year the future of former two overall pick Jabari Parker was a dominating story surrounding the organization. Since letting him sign with the Chicago Bulls in free agency this past offseason, the Bucks have been more cohesive offensively and dominant defensively.
Meanwhile, center Thon Maker wanted out of Milwaukee, and management honored his request, sending him to the Detroit Pistons. While Maker is an athletic big man, the Bucks, who are contending for an NBA championship, are better off with players who are happy to be in Milwaukee; they have eliminated questions about Parker and Maker's role with the team.
Here are three reasons why the Bucks won't collapse down the stretch — and in the postseason — like they have in years past.
Defense Travels
The Bucks are one of the most skilled defensive teams in the NBA. Going into Thursday night, they were tied for sixth in the NBA in points surrendered per game (107.1) while being first in opponent field goal and adjusted field goal percentage (43.0, 50.0). Whether it be the presence of Antetokounmpo, Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Malcolm Brogdon, or Tony Snell, among others, the Bucks have a plethora of athletic individuals who are capable of playing at a high level defensively.
The featured part of the Bucks in recent memory has been their defense and, most notably, players' wingspans; they're virtual trees. Budenholzer has a rotation of players with mesmerizing wingspans who can run the floor and defend the perimeter. On the other hand, the biggest criticism of their play in years past has been them being too aggressive when it comes to forcing turnovers and trying to do too much; the erratic Bucks of old have been terminated this season. This is now a team capable of shutting down any squad they face.
The Bucks are the most defensive-savvy team in the East. In the playoffs you need to be able to score and keep pace late in games now more than ever, and the Bucks are well-equipped to do as such — which makes their defensive prowess even more intimidating. Defense travels in the NBA, and if the Bucks' dominance on that end of the floor continues, they will be the hardest team in the league to beat in a seven-game series.
Steady Point Guard and Center Play
The two biggest holes on the Bucks roster in recent memory have been a reliable point guard and a proven center. This season Bledsoe and Brook Lopez have filled those voids.
While he came over in an early-season trade in the 2017-18 season, Bledsoe has established himself as the glue of the Bucks offense this season. Averaging 15.8 points and 5.4 assists per game on a career-best 49.2 percent shooting from the field, he has been a model of consistency. He can get to the rack and find the open man; he's everything the Bucks have been devoid of in a point guard. Plus, while he's a vital source of offense, Bledsoe is also a defensive enforcer. Whether it be defending his man with ease, or assisting the team's perimeter efforts, Bledsoe is an asset on that end too.
Lopez has been a godsend for the Bucks. While his career-low 12.1 points and underwhelming 4.2 rebounds per game aren't eye-popping, they don't tell the whole story. Lopez has become more of an outside shooter over the last few seasons, and for a Bucks team that's adept at attacking the rack, the big man's ability to stretch the floor has opened up opportunity for players inside and in isolation; Lopez is also a competent defender. He's a sleeping giant as the team's fifth source of offense and an immense reason why they went into Thursday night second in points per game (116.9) and field goal percentage (48.0); his presence has given the Bucks reliability at center.
They Have the Best Player in the East
Antetokounmpo has improved in every season he's played in the NBA and has officially put himself in the superstar echelon. Ranging from his ability to wreak havoc on the defensive end, relentlessly hit the boards, find the open man, run the fastbreak, play in isolation, to attacking the rack, the Greek Freak is a two-way star. Currently averaging career-highs in points (27.2), rebounds (12.7), and assists (6.0), he's, without a doubt, a frontrunner for the Most Valuable Player of the Year Award.
You don't need a team of stars to win in the NBA, but having at least one prolific player pays dividends in crunch time and in the playoffs. Right now, Antetokounmpo is the best player in the East and arguably the second-best player in the sport. You could argue that he's more unguardable than LeBron James given his ability to draw fouls and get down the floor in under 10 dribbles whenever he touches the ball.
Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Kyrie Irving, Blake Griffin, and Kemba Walker are elite players who can take the reins of a franchise, but Antetokounmpo has an edge on all of them. Given how the Bucks are arguably the best team and have the best player in their respective conference, they have an edge over anyone they play in the East.
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