Milwaukee Bucks: What’s trending in the third week of the season
After the Milwaukee Bucks wrapped up a successful five-game homestand, let’s explore some of the trends that have emerged over the last week.
They say home is where the heart is and that proved true for the Milwaukee Bucks this week.
Following their 100-90 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers Saturday night, the Bucks have wrapped up a 4-1 homestand that has helped them go to 6-4 on the season.
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Over a week in which they saw many of their central division foes for the first time this season as well as fell to the Utah Jazz, the Bucks progressed in the areas that have stood out to start the season. And unfortunately, the areas of concern that have long followed the Bucks over the Mike Budenholzer era still remain as we’re about to explore.
So without further ado, let’s examine some of the rising and falling trends that all surfaced over the last week for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s play has been a rising trend.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first two weeks this 2020-21 season were hardly anything to write home about.
The two-time MVP rode the steep highs and lows as he was just trying to find his groove and get back up into game speed, especially after an offseason that focused on his future in Milwaukee.
It was in the Bucks’ win over the Chicago Bulls on New Year’s Day, though, where Antetokounmpo started to showing the very things and consistency that has made him a two-time MVP. Over the last week, Antetokounmpo has averaged 34.3 points on .609/.313/.667 shooting splits, 8.3 rebounds and 4 assists before missing the Bucks’ win over the Cavaliers last night.
Antetokounmpo still has his troubles from the free throw line, but that speaks more to sticking through his new free throw shooting mechanics and routine.
While that will always linger in throughout the season, Antetokounmpo clearly looks more comfortable driving to the basket and getting into the heart of the opposing defense time and time again. His comfort pulling up from mid-range has been encouraging to see as he looks to grow a counter against teams that will sag off and pack the paint against him.
Perhaps most encouraging is the chemistry that Antetokounmpo is building with new Bucks sharpshooter Bryn Forbes, who has been able to benefit from Antetokounmpo’s gravity when on the floor.
Overall. Antetokounmpo has looked more like himself and that will be key for the Bucks as they continue to find themselves at this stage in the season.