The Milwaukee Bucks can’t have a letdown performance against the Oklahoma City Thunder
After going up against some of the best teams in the NBA, there could be a tendency to look past this game or not take it as seriously, especially considering how many guys the Thunder are missing.
Whether they rest guys or not, the Bucks can’t have a letdown game and let the Thunder hang around. Even if they come out hot and build a big lead, they need to maintain that effort and energy throughout to avoid a classic Bucks third quarter dud (which they didn’t have against the Suns!).
After a rough season pre-All-Star break, the Bucks are now firmly third in the East and are very close to second. I know seeding isn’t overly important for the Bucks as they can beat anyone, but being able to avoid some of those teams in the middle and get home court for as many rounds as possible would be nice, so get the easier wins when you can.
Oklahoma City has a few young guys beyond Gilgeous-Alexander that can hurt the Bucks and get hot if given the chance (I’ve loved Tre Mann’s recent stretch of games, he’s a very fun offensive player).
They got into a rock fight in their last game and while the defense showed up, it was the offense that fell apart. Well, now the offense looks great and it’s the defense that comes and goes. Tonight seems like the perfect chance to get both going for a change.
This is one of only four games the Milwaukee Bucks have left against teams below the play-in line and hopefully, it’s an easy night at the office.