Behind the Bucks Pass
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Milwaukee Bucks Preseason Preview: Oct. 4 vs Indiana Pacers

By Ti Windisch

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 10: Tony Snell #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in front of Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 10, 2017 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 10: Tony Snell #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in front of Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the first half of a game at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 10, 2017 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 02: (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 02: (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Major key for Milwaukee – Guard the perimeter

Milwaukee’s offense was actually pretty effective against Dallas. The Bucks shot just a hair under 50 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from deep and 83.3 percent from the foul line. Those are decent percentages!

Unfortunately a fatal flaw was re-revealed in Milwaukee’s defense: the ability to prevent wide-open corner threes multiple times each game. The Mavericks quickly realized the Bucks’ aggressive defense was leaving guys open, and they took advantage.

Dallas shot above 40 percent from three-point territory, making 13 of their 32 attempts from distance. Indiana, like Dallas, is a team that should be able to take advantage of any lack of three-point defense.

The Pacers’ rotation has already been announced, and the starting five is chock full of shooters. Darren Collison, Victor Oladipo, Bojan Bogdanovic, Thaddeus Young and Myles Turner are all at least capable from distance. Turner, who shot nearly 35 percent from three-point territory last season, might especially be a problem.

The Bucks left Dirk Nowitzki open once on Monday, and he made Milwaukee pay. Turner will likely play more than the nine minutes Dirk did, meaning more opportunities for him to slip to the outside or get a good look at a three after trailing a ball-handler.

To avoid another loss, the Bucks will have to do better at holding their opponent to a low three-point percentage, or less taken threes. Either one should suffice, although the latter is a better sign of a sustainable defensive effort.

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