Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 127-114 win over Memphis Grizzlies

Owning the paint

As I alluded to earlier, an undoubted focus for the Bucks coming into this game will have been to try to limit the damage the Grizzlies could do in the paint.

Part of that plan will not have been to give up 20 triples instead, but the Bucks managed to withstand that barrage by dominating Memphis at what’s usually one of their greatest strengths.

The Grizzlies were the league leaders heading into Friday night, yet the Bucks held them to just 26 points inside, which was less than half of Taylor Jenkins’ team’s per game average. Even when it comes to defending the paint, the Grizzlies have been above average to this point in the season.

With that in mind, Milwaukee’s 54-26 advantage in terms of paint points was a major statement, and clear evidence of a gameplan that was diligently executed.

Furthermore, the strength of this showing has moved the Bucks into a share for first in terms of points in the paint per game (53.1), while they also head up the league in terms of points allowed in the paint per game (39.1).

No matter how good an opponent is around the basket on both ends, the chances are they’ll come out second best when matched up against the Bucks.

The Bucks have no time to rest as they’re straight back home to face the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7.30pm CT.