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3 Things to Know About Bucks 1st Round Playoff Series vs Magic

By Brian Sampson

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks defeated the Magic 111 to 95. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 08: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on February 8, 2020 in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks defeated the Magic 111 to 95. 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 Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 08: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrates after making a three-point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on January 08, 2020 in San Francisco, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

1. Rim Protection

The Bucks’ defense was downright stingy when it came to allowing opponent’s looks around the rim–allowing the fewest percentage of shots within four feet of the basket for the second straight year according to Cleaning the Glass. In fact, they where over a whole percentage point better than a season ago. And when the opposition somehow found a way to the hoop, they only finished 55.2 percent of the time, the best mark in the league.

That’s not a coincidence as head coach Mike Budenholzer has built his defensive principle around protecting the basket thanks to the long arms of the laws in Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Each plays a distinct role in guarding the most valuable area of the court on every possession.

Next. 3 Bucks Who Need to Step Up Their Game in Playoffs. dark

The Magic, who only get to the rim on 32.9 percent of their possessions (26th in the league) to begin with, will find it extremely difficult to accrue easy baskets in this series. Even when they get there, they are slightly below league-average in converting–finishing just 63 percent of the time. Don’t be surprised if Orlando struggles to achieve their season average in either category.

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