Milwaukee Bucks: Ultimate preview for playoff matchup with Brooklyn Nets
By Dalton Sell
Keys for the Milwaukee Bucks to defeat the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA Playoffs
The biggest focus for the Bucks in this series will without question be slowing down the Nets’ leading trio.
With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden set to hit the floor together against Milwaukee for the first time this season, it will be a new look for both sides. Rarely, if ever, has the league seen such talent share the same jersey at the same time, and it will be a monumentally tall order for the Bucks to take them down in these playoffs, particularly as this will be their first go-round with this trinity on the opposite side of the ball.
With Brooklyn’s trio averaging a whopping 85.2 points per game during their first round set with Boston, they are firing on all cylinders. The key for Milwaukee will be their defense, which they have been bolstering all throughout the season. In addition to having the reigning Defensive Player of the Year in Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have household defenders such as Jrue Holiday and P.J. Tucker ready to fire. These three will certainly have their work cut out for them against this herculean Brooklyn team.
If Milwaukee’s defensive efforts can disrupt this trio to some extent, they will be in good shape. Although the Nets having that much firepower on their side offensively makes that far easier said than done for the Bucks, they have the personnel to make it a reality. According to NBA.com/stats, the Bucks have the best defensive rating in the NBA Playoffs at an impressive 95.4 over four games. If they play the same pestering defense that was fully apparent in their set with the Heat, the Bucks stand a much better chance.