Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: April 3 vs Boston Celtics
By Adam McGee
Major key for Milwaukee – Build a lead, don’t blow a lead
The Milwaukee Bucks have played really well over their last five games, although it might be difficult to remember that following the conclusion of Sunday’s game in Denver.
In particular, a Bucks team that has struggled in spells as slow starters in both the first and third quarters, found a way to come out of the blocks fast and build sizable leads.
The downside has been the Bucks have been just as adept at blowing those leads. A run of games that could easily have been 5-0, finished at 3-2, and was perilously close to 0-5 due to the team’s fourth quarter collapses.
The Bucks have surrendered double digit leads in every game throughout that span, even though they have been able to find one last push to hold on or rally back more often than not.
Still, that equates to a league worst fourth quarter net rating over the last five games of -43.9. To put that into perspective, the Portland Trail Blazers boast the league’s second worst fourth quarter net rating over that span with a comparatively palatable -16.5.
One of the NBA’s best closing teams throughout the season, Bucks fans won’t be encouraged to hear that the Celtics have been even better in that regard of late, posting a 36.8 fourth quarter net rating over their last five games.
If the Bucks are to pick up a win on Tuesday night, they’ll need to get on top of whatever has been sinking them in those scenarios of late.