The Milwaukee Bucks made it crystal clear this summer through various moves and soundbites that they wanted to increase their pace this season. It's only been three games, but this new-look roster has embraced the challenge and improved on last year's performance. Now, they must keep their foot firmly on the gas by continuing to run and generating more possessions.
Bucks using pace to their advantage, but they can improve
Last season, the Bucks ranked 14th in pace. Considering they were one of the NBA's oldest teams, that actually wasn't half bad. However, they were still often plagued by the age of the roster and the inability to keep up with other teams. This season, the changes haven't catapulted them to the top of the rankings, but they do currently rank 10th in the NBA. That's at least progress.
The Bucks can absolutely continue improving. Kyle Kuzma, who actually leads the Bucks in pace this year, Cole Anthony, and Kevin Porter Jr. have all missed time. Those are three players who can crank up the pace whenever they are on the floor. For this team to be 10th without those three playing in all of the games is certainly quite the feat. Once they are healthy, the team can truly take off.
One of the reasons for the uptick in pace is Milwaukee's renowned reliance on quick 3-point shots. More than ever before, they are emphasizing attacking the paint and then kicking it out to the long line for an open shooter, like Gary Trent Jr. or AJ Green, who fire away immediately. Milwaukee ranks 12th in 3-point attempts per game, so there is another level to reach there. Keep firing fast and often.
Meanwhile, unsurprisingly, the Buck registering the slowest pace, among players averaging 10-plus minutes, is Bobby Portis. The big man has never been quick on his feet. In addition to his poor early-season shooting woes, his lack of mobility and athleticism has stood out early, and the stats back it up. Portis must find his niche if he wants questions about his fit to cease. For now, they will persist.
The Milwaukee Bucks are in a good place. Their loss to the Cavaliers certainly stung, but they showed heart until the end. Once they get Porter, Anthony, and Kuzma back in the mix, they can pick up the slack and keep pushing the pace. It will be a secret weapon for this Milwaukee team if they can keep up with the younger, faster teams nightly.
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