The Milwaukee Bucks had an inconsistent first half of the season, and they must make some adjustments coming out of the All-Star break.
The Bucks managed to go 22-14 throughout their first 36 games, and the team currently finds themselves sitting at third place and two games out of first in the East standings. That is quite the change compared to the regular season dominance they have displayed in each of the past two years.
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After falling short of the NBA Finals in those two seasons, it was clear that they needed to shake things up, or they would be doomed to suffer the same fate. While not perfect, head coach Mike Budenholzer has embraced making adjustments this season when necessary, something that had been out of the question in these past two playoff runs.
In addition to Bud’s willingness to adapt, this team went through several rough patches trying to get acquainted with one another. This roster went through a hectic overhaul this offseason, and getting everyone situated has not been the smoothest ride.
However, with the first portion of the season out of the way, it is time for the Bucks to get everything together and prepare for that deep postseason push. If the Bucks will finally break the spell that has haunted them for two straight seasons, here are three areas they must improve.
First area the Milwaukee Bucks must improve after All-Star break — Defense
Top-tier play on the defensive end had been Milwaukee’s calling card throughout each of the past two regular seasons, arguably the most significant factor in their overall success.
However, after their typical drop-back defense had gotten exploited in the postseason, the team has been experimenting with new schemes periodically throughout this year. The results have been hit or miss, and as it stands, the Bucks are tied with the Houston Rockets for 11th in defensive rating in the association, per NBA.com/stats.
Given the personnel that the Bucks have, they should be a better defensive team. With reigning Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, Brook Lopez, and Torrey Craig, among others, this roster has the potential to be formidable for opposing offensive units when they are clicking.
They have the latter half of the season to figure things out before the postseason rolls around, and the Bucks must have things figured out by then. If Milwaukee has to face a team like the Brooklyn Nets in the postseason, trying to outscore them will be an uphill battle, but playing stellar defense would give them their best shot.