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Can the Milwaukee Bucks make the NBA Finals?

By Brian Sampson

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a foul called against him during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 21: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a foul called against him during the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 21, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks are near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. However, is their current team good enough to reach the NBA Finals?

The Milwaukee Bucks got off to a scorching 7-0 start to begin the season. They then appeared to hit a bit of a lull, going just 9-7 over their next 16 games. Fortunately, the Bucks have begun to come back on as of late, winning seven of their last nine games to give them an overall record of 23-10 as Christmas Day concludes.

There’s an old saying in the NBA that the records on Christmas pretty accurately reflect what they’ll be at the end of the season. If that’s the case, the Bucks, who are just one game behind the Toronto Raptors for first place in the Eastern Conference, will be in a tight battle for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.

That’s sweet music to fans’ ears as this team has underachieved the past few seasons on under Jason Kidd. Milwaukee only went 44-38 last season (they’re already more than halfway to that win total already) and bowed out to the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.

This year is different. Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s full potential appears to be closer to his reach. Milwaukee also made big strides by adding the right type of players for the right price. That’s great news considering the Bucks’ franchise is going to be cap-strapped for the next few years after they make a plethora of free agent decisions this offseason.

Mike Budenholzer and general manager Jon Horst appear to be working in unison by acquiring the type of players who can thrive under Budenholzer. This has allowed the team to maximize every ounce of potential out of their role players by maximizing every inch of the court.

Despite the go start, Khris Middleton continues to be an enigma. He’s struggling more than any other player considering his skill level and is beginning to wear fans thin. However, it’s a good sign the Bucks continue to win even with Middleton’s inability to consistently hit a shot. If he gets hot, the Bucks will get really good.

Overall, Milwaukee has the pieces to contend with the other top teams in the East including the Celtics, Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers. Milwaukee is a combined 4-1 against those teams so far this season with their lone loss coming at Boston in the eighth game.

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The Bucks certainly have some aspects of their defense to shore up, as a team like Boston appears to have the right formula to beat them. However, Budenholzer has a history of coaching under guys who hold off until the postseason to reveal their true intentions. Regardless, the Bucks are legit and have every right to be in the NBA Finals’ contender conversation.

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