Are the Bucks Officially Back?

The Milwaukee Bucks are back in the mix after a rough start to the season.

After Tuesday’s win over the Magic, the Bucks advanced to the NBA Cup semi-finals, where they will face the Atlanta Hawks.

After starting the season 2-8, the Bucks have flipped the script, going 8-2 in their last ten games. With a 13-11 record, they now sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference. While 13-11 doesn’t look great on paper, it is a massive sigh of relief for Bucks fans after a worst-case-scenario start sent shockwaves of Giannis’ trade rumors throughout the media landscape.

Are the Bucks officially back?

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the centerpiece of the Bucks’ resurgence.

The two-time MVP continues elevating his game as the team pushes forward, and now he has his sights set on the NBA Cup.

“We have unfinished business,” Antetonoumpo said postgame. “We’re going to make it as tough as possible for whoever we play,” He added.

Not only have the Bucks started to win games, but they also returned starter Khris Middleton from injury. Middleton is averaging a career-high 6.3 assists per game on the season and will continue to be a key factor as he returns to his regular form. He’s still shaking the rust off with his jumper, but his playmaking has been sorely missed on an offense that can sometimes grow stagnant.

One key to the Bucks’ turnaround this season has been the development of 2022 undrafted rookie A.J. Green. ‘Dairy Bird’ has thrust himself into an important role, averaging eight points per game on 47.5 percent shooting from three (the third-best mark in the entire league).

Another key to the Bucks’ recent success has been Forward Bobby Portis, who enters the NBA Cup riding the momentum of scoring more than 20 points in back-to-back games. His ability to bring energy and score off the bench will be relied upon during the semi-final against the Hawks.

https://twitter.com/theleadsm/status/1866679437468762244?s=46

Where does the season go from here?

Milwaukee’s season has been defined by adversity. A 2-8 start led to frustration, mounting pressure on Head Coach Doc Rivers, and trade rumors surrounding Antetokounmpo.

However, the Bucks dug themselves out of a hole, and they’re riding a hot streak into the NBA Cup. Not only have they landed a semi-final game, but they have also had the opportunity to climb the Eastern Conference standings.

Milwaukee is currently in sixth place in the East, with the Heat, Knicks, and Magic all above them by 2.5 games or less. Just over a quarter through the season, it’s certainly not too late for Milwaukee to return to contender status. If they can return to home-court advantage by the New Year (4 seed or better), they’d be setting themselves up in a prime position.

Taking down the Hawks. 

The Atlanta Hawks advanced into the semi-final game after beating the New York Knicks 108-100 Wednesday night.

Looking again at the conference standings, the Hawks are right behind the Bucks in the East. A win from Atlanta would boost them into the 6th spot, jumping Milwaukee.

Atlanta’s two keys to success this season have been rebounding and points in the paint. Atlanta plays a fast game, but they’re also fourth in the NBA for rebounds and second-chance points per game. Adding second-chance points leads to their 56.9 points in the paint per game, which is second-best mark in the league.

Atlanta’s strength comes from their ability to reel in offensive rebounds. Milwaukee ranks twenty-third in total rebounds per game, but its main focus is preventing offensive rebounds. They also rank fifth in the league in defensive rebounds per game and dead last in offensive rebounds.

While rebounding may not be the sexiest factor, it should be a focus for the Bucks to prevent second-chance points.

Doc Rivers spoke on the team’s goals after their win against the Magic: “It’s huge for us. This is what we wanted to do. You set a goal and you try to reach them,” Rivers said. “Our goal is not just to get to Vegas; we want to win this thing.”

The Bucks have climbed the ranks into a possible NBA Cup Final and sixth in the East. Winning against the Hawks will be crucial to continuing their success and returning to contender status.