Bucks Continue To Roll Over The Top Teams In The East
After last night’s victory over the Indiana Pacers, who currently have the 3rd spot in the Eastern Conference, it seems the Bucks are more confident than ever. There is no reason for them not to be. This season so far, the Bucks have managed to go 9-3 against the top teams in the East. That includes the Raptors, Celtics, 76ers, and the Pacers. It is not only that impressive record against talented teams, it is how Milwaukee has gone about doing so. Some games have been closer than others, but if this is a sign for what’s to come playoff wise, it speaks volumes to what this team can accomplish.
Breaking down the numbers, the Bucks have a series win over every team mentioned above, except for the 76ers. With two games remaining against Philadelphia, Milwaukee will try to add another team under their series belt. That may be easier said than done since the Bucks have yet to play the 76ers with their trade deadline addition in Tobias Harris. Should the acquisition scare the Bucks? No, but it should keep them on their feet and enter the court with a new game plan. However that series ends, it should not tarnish what the Bucks have done against their toughest competition thus far.
Giannis, An MVP Amongst Men
It is no secret that the Bucks’ success against the East is due to the explosive performance Giannis Antetokounmpo has given game in and game out. Over the 11 games he has played against these teams, he is averaging 27.8 points a game. Along with rebounds and assists, the Greek Freak has taken this team to greater heights than we could have imagined a year ago. Of course, Giannis’s teammates play a huge role in this season’s success. Khris Middleton, who the fans cannot decide if they like or not, has averaged 17.3 points per game against the top teams as well. It may not be Giannis-like numbers, but let’s face it, without Khris, who knows where the Bucks might be in these games.
As I said, the team as a whole has been key to having this 9-3 record. Through 12 games, the Bucks have scored an average of 113 points a game, while holding their opponents to 105 average per game. The Bucks also held their opponent to less than 100 points in five of these victories. The team’s defense has continued to be one of the best in the league and that must continue going forward, especially come playoff time.
Main Focus Must Be The East
With less than 20 games left in the season and a playoff berth clinched, there is no reason the Bucks should let off the gas. With Toronto only 2.5 games back, that lucrative number 1 seed is still up for grabs. If this season has showcased anything, it’s that if the playoffs go through Milwaukee, teams will be climbing an uphill battle against a team who is 26-5 at Fiserv Forum, the best in the league. Stress will soon come for Bucks fans, but as of right now, in this moment, we should be proud of what has been obtained so far. To hold claim to not only the best record in the East but the entire league is something special. Magic is brewing here in the Good Land and for right now, let’s take it in and know we are what teams in the East fear.
