3 big concerns for the Milwaukee Bucks come playoff time
By Max Griffith
The Milwaukee Bucks are red hot and not looking to slow down. After a few bumps in the road midseason, it finally looks like the Bucks are catching their footing to prepare for a back-to-back title run.
There are many things Milwaukee needs to do to prepare, but there are three main things that can solidify their chances for another title. Those things are containing the 3, shortening the rotation, and holding onto the ball. This regular season turnovers and defense have been the top area of concern, if Milwaukee can clean up their play in all of these categories, they will be bound for more playoff success.
The Milwaukee Bucks need to do a better job containing 3-point shots
Over the last few years, the 3-point shot has evolved in the NBA. Now you will see teams really prioritize shooting an increased number of 3-pointers. When the NBA is at an all-time high in shooting talent, I would adopt that game plan too.
Milwaukee always seems to be one of those teams that struggles to contain the 3-point shot, the numbers simply don’t lie. The Bucks allow 40.4 3-point attempts per game, which leads the league, but when it comes to percentage, they are right in the middle of the pack allowing a 34.9 percent opponent 3-point percentage which is tied for 14th in the league with the New York Knicks.
One thing people do not know is that the Bucks have set a league record for 3-pointers allowed. They nearly broke their own record from 2018-2019 last season but are on pace to break that record this regular season.
Milwaukee is experiencing a slight upgrade percentage-wise considering they finished 24th in opponent percentage last season. Unfortunately, it’s not all about percentages when you give up the most 3s in the league. In past years the Bucks have taken their inability to defend the 3 into the playoffs with them.
One series that comes to mind is the meltdown against Toronto in the Eastern Conference Finals a few years ago. Bottom line is, this is the biggest struggle for the Bucks year in and year out. The numbers support it. Working towards a solution to their 3-point defense and adapting that to the way they play could be a game-changer in the postseason.