Why the Milwaukee Bucks will likely make it to the NBA Finals

As they enter a second-round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers, we explore why the Milwaukee Bucks are primed for an NBA Finals appearance

Despite the Milwaukee Bucks‘ success during the regular season, many analysts remained skeptical of their chance of making a deep run in the playoffs.

Many thought that during the playoffs, the Bucks would ultimately not be a serious threat to the Golden State Warriors or the Boston Celtics. However, after watching how the Bucks played in the first round it is obvious, they are a championship quality team.

In the first round, not only did Giannis Antetokounmpo play amazingly well, but the Bucks’ supporting cast was critical to the team’s success. Milwaukee had six players averaging over nine points per game and eight players playing over 20 minutes per contest. In the series, Giannis averaged only 28.3 minutes per game and the Bucks were able to sweep the Pistons.

More from Sir Charles In Charge

To put that in perspective, Kyrie Irving played 37 minutes per game as the Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers. Kevin Durant has played over 35 minutes per game as the Warriors battled it out against the Los Angeles Clippers. For historical context, Michael Jordan never averaged less than 40 minutes per game for any year in the playoffs.

In Game 1, Giannis only played 23 minutes as the Bucks beat the Pistons by 35 points. In Game 2, Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe combined for 51 points. In Game 3, even with Blake Griffin playing, Giannis only needed to score 14 points for the Bucks to beat the Pistons by 16 points. And Giannis, in Game 4, showed that he is capable of delivering big and scored 41 points to close out the series.

The Bucks have size, length, and shooting to compete with any team. As well as many solid defenders. The Bucks have seven players over 6-foot-8. This depth and size make them especially difficult to defeat. Despite how lax they were on defense in years past, the Bucks are a team that that now plays with great intensity. They are a rough and gritty defensive team.

The Buck’s bench features talented players such as Tony Snell, Malcolm Brogdon, Pat Connaughton, George Hill, Ersan Ilyasova, and Nikola Mirotic. Beating the Bucks requires more than beating or stopping one player. This depth is absent in teams like OKC, Portland, and Philadelphia.

The Bucks depth and defense was essential for them making a turnaround from last season.

The turnaround the Bucks have made since last season is unbelievable. And they are reminiscent to the 1990s Chicago Bulls. With Giannis ascending and the Bucks having the best record in the NBA, it draws many comparisons to previous great teams. And one team, or collection of teams, that people are forgetting about are the 1990s Bulls.

The 1995-96 Bulls had 14 players that average over 9.5 minutes per game. The Bulls had the highest defensive rating in the league and were top 3 in minimizing their opponents’ points per game. The Bulls also had four players that averaged over 40 percent from the 3-point line and shot 17 3’s a game. Which was high for teams at that time.

Aside from MJ, not a single player on the 1995 Bulls averaged more than 20 points per game. And over the course of the team’s six championships, Scottie Pippen averaged less than 20 points per game during the regular season.

Jordan, on the Bulls, was surrounded by good defenders and players that were skilled offensively and could shoot. None of these players were offensively dominant or all-stars before arriving in Chicago. Nor did the Bulls acquire any all-stars from other teams. The Bulls relied on the depth of their team and player development to win games. The Bulls, without MJ, in 1993-94 were able to win 55 games and made it to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

No other player on the Bucks, aside from Giannis, averages more than 20 points per game. Similarly, the Bucks have 13 or players that average over 10 minutes a game. Similarly, not only do the Bucks average more points per game than any other team, they have the first ranked defense. The Bucks are a competitive team even without Giannis.

Both teams were built around arguably the best two-way player in the league and most offensively dominant player in the league at that time.

Both teams are also not super teams. Instead, the Bucks and Bulls were superbly well constructed that focused on getting the right complementary parts teams around a super player.

In an era of super teams, the Bucks are not one. Not a single player on the Milwaukee Bucks, aside from Giannis, will be a hall of fame worthy player. Yet, the Bucks are still the best team in basketball. Giannis is not interested in joining a super team or constructing a super team. He is interested in beating a super team.

Next. NBA stars with legacies to defend in the second round of the playoffs. dark

During the regular season, the Bucks had one of the smallest disparities in home and road wins. They are a dominant force no matter where they play.

The Bucks are a real threat to win the Eastern Conference this year and will likely make it to the NBA Finals. And in the Finals, they could pose a real problem for the Golden State Warriors.

Home/Milwaukee Bucks