Nobody Left To Fear
Editor’s note: This article originally stated that the Bucks hadn’t beaten the Cleveland Cavaliers this season. That is incorrect as the Bucks defeated the Cavaliers 118-101 in late November, and the piece has been updated accordingly.
Milwaukee’s Wednesday night win was important for the Bucks in keeping up with the Atlanta Hawks in the race for a potential fifth seed, but there was also an added psychological incentive as they took to the court.
Having sealed a win over the Celtics, the Bucks have now beaten all of their four possible first round playoff opponents at least once this season.
So, although the media and fans are likely to fixate on the various seeding and matchup permutations in the next 10 days or so, the reality is the Bucks should enter the playoffs brimming with confidence, regardless of opponent.
With a record of 14-6, the Bucks are comfortably the East’s in-form team since the All-Star break. In the East, only the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors at 12-6 can boast recent play that comes close to being as strong as Milwaukee’s.
This leaves the Bucks entering the playoffs more confident than ever, providing an awkward matchup and, most importantly of all, with no real pressure or expectation.
If Milwaukee crashes out in four games, this season will still have been an important step forward in their growth. But the pressure and expectation will always be on the opponent. As the lower seed, the Bucks will get a free shot at causing a major upset.
The Bucks return home to Milwaukee where they’ll host the Detroit Pistons at 7pm CT on Friday.