Major key for Milwaukee – Defend the triple
As the Bucks prepare for Sunday’s game with the Pelicans, there were significant lessons to be learned from their 115-108 loss from back on December 13.
In spite of a balanced scoring effort and five players racking up double digit points tallies, the Bucks were undone by New Orleans’ shooting from distance. In particular, E’Twaun Moore was a difference maker with 21 points, including four made triples.
On that night, the Pelicans shot 13-of-25 from deep. Although that’s obviously not their usual rate of efficiency, the long ball offers a nightly threat for the Pelicans.
Alvin Gentry’s team are very much an above average shooting team in all departments, as they rank 13th in the NBA in both three-point percentage and three-point attempts.
If Milwaukee can force their usual success from those spots to drop, their talent advantage would seem likely to prove decisive. If they leave the door open, the three-point shot could be a great equalizer for New Orleans.