Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Takeaways from the 123-91 win over the Orlando Magic
By Ben Rauman
Attacking the rim
The Bucks got back to basics in Orlando when it came to attacking the basket.
In the prior games to start the season, the Bucks averaged just 45 points in the paint per game, good for 22nd in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers have averaged a league-leading 53.5 points in the paint, for reference.
The Bucks scored 54 points in the paint against the Magic, with Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge in that department.
Bledsoe finally got going Friday night after an ugly four-game start that saw him shoot just 36.4 percent from the field, 21.4 percent from deep, and 53.8 percent from the line, good for a true shooting percentage of just 42.2 percent.
He looked much more comfortable attacking the basket in Orlando with 12 of his 18 points coming in the paint. His penetration also led to some nice looks for his teammates and played a part in him dishing six assists.
Giannis scored 18 of his 29 points in the paint and looked much more aggressive than in Boston. He consistently drove to the hoop looking to score rather than passively deferring to his teammates. He still finished with six assists and found his teammates when they were open.
Last year, the Bucks scored 53.3 points in the paint per game, an important part of the league’s fourth-best offense. With Malcolm Brogdon and his knack for getting to the rim gone, Bledsoe and others will have to step up on a more consistent basis to attack the basket this season.
The Bucks are at their best offensively when they are attacking the rim and scoring in the paint to supplement their three-point barrage. If you’re going to Let It Fly, you also have to Throw It Down!
They’ll look to build on this performance against a tougher interior defense in Toronto Saturday night.