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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Things We Learned in Round One

By Matt LeVene

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in the third quarter against the Miami Heat during Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on May 24, 2021 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in the third quarter against the Miami Heat during Game Two of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum on May 24, 2021 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 Quinn Harris/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 15: Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on May 15, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – MAY 15: Pat Connaughton #24 of the Milwaukee Bucks blocks a shot by Duncan Robinson #55 of the Miami Heat during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on May 15, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. /

The Milwaukee Bucks Have a Dominant Defense

During the regular season, the Bucks’ defensive numbers were not as stellar as years prior, which made many people count them out in the Eastern Conference. However, after watching the suffocating defense played against the Miami Heat, virtually almost all questions on that end of the floor were answered.

Heat sharpshooter, Duncan Robinson, was able to get in a groove running off of screens in Game 1, but Mike Budenholzer adapted his typical drop coverage in the following games to prevent a repeat performance. This sort of adjustment is just one example of why the Bucks defense has the potential to be the best it ever had. Coach Bud, in previous years, neglected to make gameplan adjustments on the fly, but this go-around, he seems more akin to changes. This offers hope that this top-level defensive play to continue going forward.

Lastly, the personnel and roster makeup of this team is perfect for elite NBA defense. Giannis, Khris, and Jrue are all top-tier defenders for their position, and Brook Lopez is an excellent shot-blocker in the interior. Off the bench, PJ Tucker is a show-stopper on the defensive end. I absolutely love the idea of him being in the Bucks’ end-game lineup. With Tucker in the fold, the Bucks can switch virtually every screening action and apply air-tight defensive pressure all over the floor. Look for Tucker and Holiday to be locked on the opponent’s best scorers in the second round.

Next. Bucks Sweep Heat, Giannis Records Triple-Double. dark

The Milwaukee Bucks had question marks on both ends of the floor going into the playoffs, but through a dominant 4-0 sweep of the Miami Heat, many of those questions were answered. This playoff run is off to an excellent start for the 414, and all signs point to this success continuing into the second round. Hopefully, this early success and extra time off will help propel Milwaukee to its second NBA Championship.

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