Inside the Milwaukee Bucks’ Hot Streak

The well respected Marc Stein of ESPN gave the Milwaukee Bucks a pretty big shout out in his most recent power rankings.

He claims our Bucks team to be “…the most surprising on Earth… that no one ever talks.”

You see, for us here at Behind The Buck Pass, we know what is happening. The potential coming into this season was seen not by many, but the few who saw this team of young, talented and hard working basketball players saw a group of guys who could make a run for a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference.

It all seems to finally be coming together. The Bucks are winners of seven out of the last eight games and have adopted the nickname “The Milwaukee Grinders” as apart of their recent hot streak.

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This team is the epitome of what it means to be a “grinder.” To be a grinder is to have a continuous edge and play with the same tenacity and competitiveness regardless of the challenge ahead. These Milwaukee Bucks aren’t only beating teams like the Orlando Magic and the Lakers.

Milwaukee’s third ranked defense should be able to contain the teams towards the bottom of the standings, but what is truly impressive is their play in the big games. Playing against the Trailblazers last week showed the grinding in action. Six players scored in double digits, with no one scoring more than 18 points. On top of that, the Bucks held the offensively proficient Blazers to 88 points, containing newly appointed All-Star reserve Damian Lillard to 6-19 shooting from the field.

Another notable win came last night against the Brooklyn Nets. Down 17 points and making zero baskets in a spell that began in the first quarter and extended midway through the second, the Bucks relied on their stout defense and forced eight turnovers in the third quarter to regain and eventually take control of the game. Again, teamwork was evident with five guys scoring in double figures, with leading scorer Jared Dudley putting up 19 for the game.

After the game, Coach Jason Kidd had this to say about his team:

“The way we started the third quarter, we really took control of the game and being able to finish the way we did, it’s a real good home win.”

I’m sure Kidd enjoyed this victory a bit more than others. His young Bucks were able to grind out a win against the coach’s former team, and do it in what seems like a cliché Bucks win.

The hot streak puts into perspective aspects of the NBA that perhaps need a better look at. While I’m not debating the importance of having a superstar as a teams’ trademark, it’s important to note that teams like the Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks have incorporated teamwork at the forefront of their identities.

When players like Khris Middleton are able to showcase their abilities and shoot a career high 43 percent from three, or when budding talent Giannis Antentokoumpo is recognized as Eastern Confernce Player of The Week for his 19.5 points (.633 FG%), 11.0 rebound, and 3.3 assist performance, its makes playing as a team seem that much more important. Together, this Milwaukee Bucks team has exceeded expectations that some people bestowed upon them (cough cough Bill Simmons cough cough).

This team has also been particularly enjoyable to watch because of the close nature of their games. The recent hot streak saw a game that tested the grind power of these Bucks. Up one point with under ten seconds left, Brandon Knight put Brandon Bass on skates and buried the game clinching jumper to give the Bucks their most satisfying win of the streak.

“You’re going to have runs throughout a game where you’re not making shots, but the thing about us is that we’re always going to continue to play hard and continue playing the right way. That’s what we did last night and that’s what we did tonight as well,” said Knight after the game.

Brandon Knight can crown himself leader of the Milwaukee Grinders after that shot.

The Bucks will continue to put this mentality to the hardwood, game after game. That we know for sure. They have consistently stayed up near the top of the defensive rankings all season, and this win streak also saw the implementation of effective and timely offensive play.

The team that scores the most points wins the game, that’s for sure. But it’s the team that puts their hands to the floor and remains invested in playing a complete, team oriented game that creates a culture, and a culture is what is being created in Milwaukee. The Bucks, on this hot streak, have shown the NBA just how potent they can be when clicking on all cylinders.

As Jared Dudley said, “We’ve got a new nickname; the Milwaukee Grinders. Don’t fear the deer, fear the grind.”

That’s right. Fear the grind.

Next: NBA Trade Deadline: 5 Big Men For The Bucks To Consider