Milwaukee Bucks: 3 secret x-factors to fuel NBA championship run

Milwaukee Bucks x-factor No. 3: Coach Mike Budenholzer 

Coach Mike Budenholzer bought himself some more time by winning the championship in 2021. He has continually been on the hot seat and that hasn’t changed.

Corralling the most wins in the NBA this season with 58, coach Bud did a great job of navigating the absence of Middleton for most of the season along with the development of Holiday. Winning over 50 games since the 2018 season, coach Bud has established a culture of winning and that makes Giannis happy.

Going from ranked 6th in defense during the 21-22 NBA season to 4th in the 2022-23 season talks about the defensive shift the Bucks have made. Being known for controlling the paint, the Bucks have shifted to controlling the entire court. Much of this credit goes to coach Bud.

Also, you have to credit the players as well. DPOY candidate in Lopez and the steady defensive presence of Holiday, coach Bud used his ingredients as a top chef should – not sticking to one dish but diversifying the menu, allowed for the Bucks to be as dynamic as their star Giannis.

The winning certainly helps. While Giannis has rejected the idea of leaving and “ring chasing” he is comfortable in Milwaukee. The acquisition of Holiday helped, now we will see if they can upgrade Kris Middleton next. The Bucks are old with no young bodies to think of. They have invested in the now and are forsaking the future. I guess that is a small market decision.