Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking the 10 greatest seasons in franchise history

4. 2000-01 season

52-30, lost 4-3 in Conference Finals

Although Milwaukee had made the playoffs in the two previous seasons, 2000-01 would go on to mark a real return from the wilderness for the Bucks.

Following consistent success through the 70s and 80s, the Bucks entered this campaign under George Karl with a 12-year drought in terms of playoff series wins hanging over them. A disastrous start to the year made it quickly seem like that was unlikely to change, but the Bucks would yet bounce back in spectacular fashion.

Driven forward by the star trio of Ray Allen, Sam Cassell and Glenn Robinson, Milwaukee’s players eventually found their groove to emerge as one of the league’s very best teams.

By the time the postseason arrived, those credentials weren’t really in doubt, but the onus remained on the Bucks to prove just how good they could be. A comfortable first round win over a Tracy McGrady-led Magic team broke their playoff duck and quickly allowed Bucks fans to set their sights on loftier goals.

The Conference Semi-finals presented Milwaukee with a much tougher test against the well-drilled Charlotte Hornets, yet the Bucks proved their mettle by coming through a tense battle in seven games.

Finally back in the Conference Finals, the Bucks faced a golden opportunity, again matched up against the 76ers. After grabbing a 2-1 lead, it appeared a return to The Finals was on the cards, but after a spate of controversial flagrant fouls and suspensions, Milwaukee ultimately succumbed to defeat in seven games.