1st: Milwaukee Bucks (⇆)
Entering the home stretch, the Milwaukee Bucks are primed to make a deep playoff run and contest for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2020. The top dogs in the East proved they belong, cruising to a 53-12 record before the break in a dominating fashion.
The Bucks’ dynamic style of play has overwhelmed teams on the defensive end of the floor. In the painted area, the Bucks continue to find crafty ways to bully oppositions inside. Among bubble teams, Milwaukee ranks third only trailing the Lakers and Grizzlies in points in the paint per game (50.1).
As the official restart nears, Milwaukee had only one notable omission from the lineup. Pat Connaughton, who was not with the team when the team traveled into the bubble initially, has joined the Bucks team in the bubble. Connaughton has been a floor spacer for Milwaukee this season, averaging 5.1 points per game in 18 minutes of action.
Along with Pat, Eric Bledsoe has also rejoined the Bucks in Orlando after not initially. The Bucks hope both will be ready to roll when the season resumes.
Over the break, Giannis was one of the first to express his frustrations, stating that he did not have a hoop at home to practice. Coming off of scoring MVP caliber numbers this year, the possibility of a rusty Giannis coming to Orlando was an intriguing thought for his competition in the East.
This, however, was a lie. Once the team arrived at the bubble, Antetokounmpo cleared up the confusion.
Well played, Giannis.
Fellow Buck’s All-Star Khris Middleton didn’t get much basketball in over the break but instead used the time to focus on shedding a few extra pounds. Whether a more streamlined Middleton will affect anything is still up in the air, however that split second of quickness could make a difference.
Khris Middleton said today that he took advantage of the hiatus by losing some weight and dedicating himself to the weight room.
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) July 21, 2020
Kyle Korver mentioned that he’s been most impressed by Khris’ movement while Coach Bud added, “he’s in a very good place.”
Middleton looks solid. pic.twitter.com/A632C337hw
With the slashing tandem of Antetokounmpo and Middleton healthy and on the court, bigs and wings alike will find space to put up shots as defenses become occupied with the two. George Hill has been a standout beneficiary of this, putting together a career year and averaging a league-high 48 percent from beyond the arc.
All in all, the Bucks remain as the strongest team atop the East with a hunger for a championship. The only question; can they feast in the playoffs?