Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when visiting Charlotte Hornets
By Dalton Sell
Second key to victory versus Charlotte Hornets: Milwaukee Bucks need to limit turnovers and opponent fast-break chances
The Milwaukee Bucks have been one of the better teams at keeping the ball controlled this season, currently sitting at 18th in turnovers per game (14.3). Against a pesky team like the Charlotte Hornets, limiting turnovers and fast-break opportunities should be among the Bucks’ main focuses.
Charlotte’s opponents this season are ranked fifth in turnovers (15.9), and they are taking advantage, racking up the eighth-most points off turnovers in the league at 19.6 per game. For the Bucks, that means keeping the ball on a tight lease and avoiding sloppy mistakes. Aside from the New Orleans game, they have been relatively good in that department this season, and they will look to keep it consistent in this matchup.
Still, turnovers and mistakes are bound to happen, and when they do, the Bucks need to get back in transition. A large portion of Charlotte’s success off turnovers comes from their excellence on fast-break opportunities, where they are averaging the fifth most breakaway points at 15.6 per game. Milwaukee certainly wants to keep Charlotte’s Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham backcourt at bay in transition, and they are well-equipped to slow them down.
The Bucks are the second best fast-break team defensively in the league, letting up just 8.9 points per game in those specific situations. If the Milwaukee Bucks can take good care of the basketball, they will be in good hands. However, if the turnovers start to pile up and the Charlotte Hornets capitalize, they will get their opportunities to put extra points on the board, and that spells trouble.