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Milwaukee Bucks: How does Milwaukee match up with Brooklyn Nets’ trio?

By Dalton Sell

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Barclays Center on January 18, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 18: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles against George Hill #3 of the Milwaukee Bucks during their game at Barclays Center on January 18, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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The Milwaukee Bucks will be the first team to take on the Brooklyn Nets’ new trio of Kyrie Irving, James Harden, and Kevin Durant.

In an MLK Day showcase filled with several highly-anticipated games, the Milwaukee Bucks versus the Brooklyn Nets could be the marquee matchup of the day.

Currently on a four-game win streak, the 9-4 Bucks will face their toughest opponent yet in the new-look Nets. Brooklyn already had one of the premier duos in the league with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, but they took it a step further with the acquisition of former league MVP James Harden early last week.

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For the first time since the move, it appears that all three will step on the court together in their game against the Milwaukee Bucks.

All find themselves in far different situations, as Durant has looked fantastic after missing all of last season due to an Achilles injury. Durant is currently having his best season since the 2013-14 season, where he won league MVP honors as he continues to assure everyone he has not missed a step.

Harden made his Brooklyn debut Saturday night against the Orlando Magic, and it did not take long for him to get adjusted with the team. The guard logged a triple-double in his first appearance with the franchise, finishing with 32 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds in the team’s victory. Durant chimed in with 42 points on his own, showing that this former MVP tandem could be nightmarish for opposing defenses.

Of course, they will also potentially have another star player to reintegrate into the lineup with Kyrie Irving. The New York Post’s Brian Lewis reported that the guard is questionable to make his long-awaited return to the lineup after taking a leave of absence from the team. Irving has not played since January 5, but after a hefty amount of fines and clearing the league’s health and safety protocols, he will likely be set to play against the Bucks today.

The Brooklyn Nets seem equipped to give the Milwaukee Bucks trouble, but how do these two teams match up?

There is no doubt that the Nets have three of the most talented offensive minds in NBA history sharing the ball. Meanwhile, the Bucks have been the best defensive team in the past two seasons. Milwaukee’s defense has not been as dominant this season as they are accustomed to being, but they still have the requisite pieces that could slow down Brooklyn’s firepower on offense.

The Bucks currently have arguably the best defensive backcourt in basketball with Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo. These two have made their opponents work for every basket, as they have racked up the second-most steals among duos thus far. DiVincenzo and Holiday have not faced any duo as prolific as Irving and Harden, but it will be a fascinating two-on-two matchup to watch.

On top of that, slowing down Durant will also be a tall task for the Bucks defensively. The seven-footer can score the ball from anywhere, and he will see plenty of matchups against Khris Middleton and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo. Along with those two, there are several other options that head coach Mike Budenholzer could send to keep Durant in check.

Cleared to return after suffering a broken nose several weeks ago, Torrey Craig has not earned a steady spot in the rotation, but this could be his opportunity. Craig is one of the most tenacious wing defenders in the league, and throwing him at Kevin Durant would undoubtedly allow him to push through and finally earn some meaningful minutes.

While Holiday will also have his hands full with Brooklyn’s backcourt, he is also no stranger to defending Durant. Despite being seven inches shorter than him, Holiday primarily saw himself matched up against the seven-footer in a 2018 postseason series. Holiday did his part to slow down the MVP, and Durant credited him after the series by saying Jrue is solidified as the best guard defender in the league.

Brooklyn’s high powered offense going against Milwaukee’s defense will be a featured headline, but the Bucks’ offense should not be overlooked either. They currently lead the league with their 117.8 offensive rating, as they have been thriving on that side of the ball 13 games into the season. The Nets’ defense has not been a strong suit for them, and time will tell if the Bucks can take advantage.

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The Milwaukee Bucks versus the Brooklyn Nets is one of the most anticipated matchups of the day, and time will tell if it lives up to the hype.

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