Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory when visiting Memphis Grizzlies
By Dalton Sell
Third key to victory when visiting Memphis Grizzlies — Milwaukee Bucks must protect the paint
In the previous two seasons, the Bucks have been the best defensive team in the paint, and it was not close. Although they have dropped off slightly this season, they are still allowing the fourth-fewest points down low, and that defensive prowess will be crucial against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis scores a sizeable portion of points when touching the paint by racking up an astounding 55.3 paint points per game. That is the highest mark in the league, and their scoring barrage from down low stems from two of their key contributors.
Sophomore stud Ja Morant (11.8) and big man Jonas Valanciunas (11.2) are 14th and 16th, respectfully, in the league in points in the paint per game and are doing a hefty amount of their scoring close to the basket.
Typically, this would be a favorable matchup for Milwaukee’s defense, but as mentioned, their paint defense is not what it once was. For reference, in their last game Tuesday night against the Nuggets, the Bucks up a whopping 56 points in the post.
As head coach Mike Budenholzer continues adapting and experimenting with new schemes defensively, the Bucks are sure to endure some growing pains along the way. However, in this particular matchup with Memphis, they should look to stay true to their typical identity and protect that paint defensively.
It will be an all-around challenge for the Bucks, but heading into All-Star break with a win against the Grizzlies would be a big boost for this team’s confidence.
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It should be a great matchup in the first meeting of the season between these two sides, and you can catch the action at 7:00 p.m. CST on Fox Sports Wisconsin for those viewing locally.