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Milwaukee Bucks Playoff Preview: 3 Key Position Matchups

By Peter Myhrer

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Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts to a call during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Jason Kidd vs. Tom Thibodeau

The first round of the NBA playoffs puts a number of high profile coaching battles on display. The Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls are no exception.

The successes of Jason Kidd are well known as he dominated the league from the point guard position during a career that spanned over three different decades. Teams won wherever he went to play and his first and second year of coaching have followed suit.

Although he hasn’t received the attention of a Jason Kidd, Thibodeau has been just as successful at winning basketball games. Thibodeau had to spend two decades coaching as an assistant before finally getting his opportunity to be a head coach, but each team he went to ended up with an elite defense and a lot of wins. The Bulls have been an annual 50-win team since he took over, seemingly no matter who is suiting up for them.

Both coaches are known for putting out a strong defensive team. The Bulls have been a little more offensive this year than past years, but their defensive rating is still good for 11th in the league. The Bucks have an elite defense by all measurables with a defensive rating that is second best in the league.

The series could turn into a “first team to 90, wins” type of competition with some offensively ugly games, something both teams’ fans should be well acquainted with.

An interesting thing to keep an eye on is whether Coach Kidd will tighten his rotations up now that each game counts. He’s done a good job of letting young players develop this season by keeping them out their despite mistakes, but the playoffs are must win games. We may see Kidd go to bench far more than Bucks fans are used to.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls – Game 1, Saturday Apr. 18 6:00 PM (CT), ESPN

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