Milwaukee Bucks: 4 lessons learned for the defending champs

Khris Middleton and Mike Budenholzer are championship options for the Milwaukee Bucks

One reality that has gotten so lost (or perhaps even ignored) in the popular discourse is that both Khris Middleton and Mike Budenholzer have outgrown the established criticisms thrown their way. The two have rightfully been on the receiving end of doubts over their playoff pedigree for so long. But one sank clutch shot after clutch shot — often after wildly inefficient showings — while the other overcame not one but two 0-2 deficits against excellent teams.

Inconsistent? Not built for the playoffs? Maybe at one point, those things were not incorrect. But they are now, and the Bucks have come out of their trials and tribulations better than ever. They found their best selves in the failures of the past two years and proved they were better for it.

The numbers show the improvements were likely reciprocal. Playtype data on NBA.com/stats shows quite clearly that Middleton’s improvement stemmed from Budenholzer affording him more freedom within the team’s offense. Between this season and last, Middleton’s frequency in isolation and ball-handling duties rose by +0.4% and +1.2% respectively to make up 13.3% and 26.8% of his offensive plays in his championship-winning season.

Heading into next season, the Bucks now have a version of Khris Middleton who has equaled LeBron James’ record set in game-tying or go-ahead shots in the fourth quarter, per ESPN Stats & Info. Middleton also just came off the best season and playoff run of his career, which saw him genuinely establishing himself as a three-level scorer and consistent two-way threat.

Budenholzer, despite the end result last season, had trouble starting out playoff series after dropping the first game in three out of their four postseason matchups. His most glaring playoff weaknesses were very clearly addressed this time around, and this should be clear to anyone who gave these playoffs a fair watch. From the very beginning, Budenholzer, who has always been enamored with giving his bench players some run even in the playoffs, finally deployed the Bucks’ three best players for more than 32 minutes a night.

Then came his adjustments, which were as common in-game as they were game after game. After it looked like the balanced Phoenix Suns had all the answers to the question of Antetokounmpo’s dominance — they still ran away with a double-digit Game 2 win despite the Greek Freak’s unstoppable 42-piece, after all — Bud Ball knew exactly how to respond. It was in the ensuing four-game sweep that we saw the Bucks switch on ball screens more than they ever have in the past, along with Jrue Holiday’s defensive dominance completely disconcerting Chris Paul in the full-court. As they say, the rest is history.

Even then, there’s still room for improvement. Middleton could still have more actions run solely for him within a Bucks offense still largely centered around the talents of Antetokounmpo and where he now has to share the ball with another scoring option in Jrue Holiday. Budenholzer’s adjustments could still be made with more urgency, and hopefully, the Bucks won’t need to lose two straight to win four games the next time they play a postseason game.

But the two, who have long been on the receiving end of Wisconsin sports fans’ fiery outrage, proved this year that they’re winning pieces to a championship team who have earned their place in the league.