Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Oct. 18 at Boston Celtics

By Ti Windisch | Oct 18, 2017

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics on March 29, 2017 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2 of 5

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 12: (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Major key for Milwaukee: Guard the perimeter

It would be great for the Milwaukee Bucks if the team was able to start the season off on the right foot in terms of three-point defense. The Bucks’ swarming defense was very effective in its first season of implementation under coach Jason Kidd, but since then it hasn’t been all that stingy.

One of the biggest reasons for that has been Milwaukee’s inability to limit opponents’ opportunities from beyond the arc. The Bucks were actually lucky last season in that teams shot just 35.3 percent from three against them, as Milwaukee allowed opponents to shoot more than 28 triples per game.

Only eight teams allowed more three-point attempts per game than the Bucks did last season. The Boston Celtics will absolutely take advantage of being left open from the perimeter, if Milwaukee gives Boston a plethora of changes to shoot open or even semi-open threes.

The Celtics were third in both attempted threes per game and made threes per game last year. The Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors may be more known for shooting threes, but under head coach Brad Stevens, Boston has shot a bunch as well.

Even with a radically-revamped roster, you can expect the Celtics to fire away if the Bucks let them. The onus will be on Milwaukee to not do that.

Home/Bucks News