Uplift - Experience
Being one of the oldest teams in the league has its disadvantages, but one major advantage is that this Milwaukee Bucks group is very experienced.
The Bucks have several contributors who have won at the highest level, including Giannis, Middleton, Lopez, Pat Connaughton, Bobby Portis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo. All of those players raised the trophy in Milwaukee in 2021, so they know what it takes to get there. When things get tough, such as falling into a massive deficit, they know it's possible to climb out of it since they've done it before.
A hard-fought series against Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets in 2021 certainly made Milwaukee more battle-tested, as did the following series against the Atlanta Hawks, where several players were tasked with stepping up after Antetokounmpo went down. Those battles changed these players for the better, and it should continue to help them moving forward.
Even players who have not won a title have their share of experience. Damian Lillard has been in the league for over a decade and has no shortage of experience in high-octane situations. Jae Crowder has been to the NBA Finals twice. Patrick Beverley has been a valuable role player wherever he has suited up, as has Malik Beasley. These players have been around the block, and that does help.
Doc Rivers has also been coaching since 1999, so he has been through plenty of situations and adversity throughout his long career. As mentioned, he won a title with the Boston Celtics back in 2008, so he's been atop the mountain as well. Many will point at Rivers' postseason shortcomings outside of the title, but nevertheless, experience matters from the leading voice in the locker room.
Everything this roster has been through over the years could help them out down the line, which may be useful if the Bucks face a more inexperienced opponent in the NBA Playoffs.
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