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Milwaukee Bucks: Emergence of Sterling Brown heading into playoffs

By Paul Bretl

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 26: Sterling Brown #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Iman Shumpert #1 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 26, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 26: Sterling Brown #23 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Iman Shumpert #1 of the Houston Rockets during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on March 26, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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Over the last ten games for the Milwaukee Bucks, Sterling Brown has played a much bigger role and he will be needed for a deep playoff push.

During the final month or so of the regular season, the Milwaukee Bucks have been hit by the injury bug. So far Malcolm Brogden, Tony Snell, and Nikola Mirotic have missed extended time, while Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kris Middleton have missed time sporadically.

However, because of the Milwaukee Bucks depth, they’ve been able to hold on to the league’s best record and clinch home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, as well as hit the 60 win mark.

Along the way, there have been contributions from a number of players on this team, but Sterling Brown has been an X-factor on both ends of the court and has likely earned himself some decent playing time in the playoffs.

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Like others this season, Brown has missed some time due to an injury but since his return, he has played in the final ten games, which includes seven starts and has seen his minutes per game take a huge jump up to 26.5.

Now, of course when a player sees an increase in playing time, we will likely see an increase in points as well and we have with Brown. But during this stretch he has also been very efficient, shooting 48.5 percent from the floor overall and 36.1 percent from three. He’s also averaged five rebounds and 2.4 assists during these ten games.

After an inconsistent role and playing time in 2018 under coaches Jason Kidd and Joe Prunty, Mike Budenholzer has helped develop Brown into a prototypical player that we see in his system and it has paid off.

Under Coach Bud, a high percentage of Brown’s shots are either in the paint or from three. He has shown a nice ability to finish at the rim as well as hit threes, which includes back-to-back games against the L.A. Clippers and Atlanta Hawks where Brown would go three-for-six and five-for-ten respectively.

While what a player does on the offensive end will draw the most attention, Brown is a player that contributes greatly and brings the intensity on the defensive end as well. He will pester and slow down the opposing team’s guard as evidenced by his great defensive performance against the Houston Rockets where he brought in 11 rebounds and held Chris Paul to 7 for 18 shooting. Brown’s relentlessness on the defensive end will frustrate his opponents and make a huge impact in the playoffs.

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Over the last three weeks, Brown has found some rhythm on the offensive end and he will always be a bulldog on the defensive side. The minutes that we will see him play in the postseason have been well-earned and off the bench, he will be relied on if the Milwaukee Bucks hope to make a deep playoff run.

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