BTBP Roundtable #7: Returning Home, Double Teams and Exploiting Absence
By Adam McGee
Feb 20, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jared Dudley (9) reacts after making a basket during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Are we expecting the Bucks to look any more comfortable at home?
Adam McGee (@AdamMcGee11): The Bucks were a 23-18 team at home during the regular season, so you’d certainly hope so. There was more to the Bucks’ problems in the first two games than being on the road though. It’s important they start fast to make it feel like a home game, and prevent our attention from being drawn to the inevitable pockets of Bulls fans.
Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch): That’s tough. You would hope so, but there might be a sizable Bulls fan population in attendance for the game. I’m not sure comfort is the biggest issue right now though. The Bucks need to get back to what they do well and start driving more, these long twos are killing Milwaukee right now. That shouldn’t be a comfort measure, it’s just smart basketball.
Jordan Treske (@jtresk26): I certainly think so. While the team is down 2-0, I think heading home will be a catalyst for the players to start performing well. Obviously Bulls fans will make their presence known, but playing at home, with the majority of their fans on their side always picks players up.
Jeff Herrmann (@bangocrossing): Yes. Ersan Ilyasova, for example, shoots 49.1% at home vs. 45.4% on the road. His lack of shooting has been a huge reason that the Bucks are down 0-2. If he hits two or more threes the Bucks win. Book it. The home crowd, even in a 50/50 capacity, should also help urge forward the team.
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