Milwaukee Bucks: November recap and takeaways

Underrated and Underappreciated

• 3-Point attempts per game 

In November, the Bucks were second only to the Houston Rockets in 3-point attempts per game at 40.4, which is completely consistent with where they were at in October (40.6 per game, again second to Houston). It was great and has helped them develop a much-needed identity outside of Giannis. Last season, they were 25th in the NBA at just 24.7 attempts each game.

In October, they shot 38.4 percent compared to just 34.5 percent in November — much closer to the league average, 35 percent. While they are not shooting as accurately, it is important they still took the shots, even when they were not falling the way they were earlier in the season. Being a threat to take outside shots still creates space for the superstar to work. It is good they’re committed.

• 2-Point percentage

The Bucks finished their month with a league-best, ultra elite 2-point field goal percentage of 60.8 percent, nearly two whole percentage points better than second place, and the first team ever to shoot over 60 percent from 2-point range for a month other than October.

This was more than five percentage points better than the previous month, when they were still third overall. Since they are (rightly) committed to taking a lot of 3-pointers, it is vital that they score their 2-point field goals efficiently, since 3-pointers are not as stable from a consistency standpoint.

It also shows the importance of having a lot of 3-point field goal attempts, as it forces an opponent’s defense to guard the perimeter and effectively creates space for players to attack inside the arc and at the rim.

• Pat Connaughton

The Bucks signed Pat Connaughton to a two-year, $3.3 million deal on Aug. 1, and he has slowly become a valuable member on their rotation. At such a cheap price, he is providing tremendous value. In November he played 19.5 minutes a game and made an appearance in each of their 14 games.

Connaughton posted 7.6 points per game with a phenomenal true shooting percentage over 60, adding 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He also has a +10.1 net rating and a plus/minus of  +4.3 for the month.

• Brook Lopez’ 3s

Like Connaughton, Lopez was signed to a very team-friendly contract this past summer. And again, like Connaughton, his play and production have far exceeded his salary. His ability to space the floor as a center is invaluable for a team that generally plays Giannis, an 11.8 percent 3-point shooter, at the 4.

In November alone, Lopez made at least six 3s in three games.  In the 2017-18, only once did a Buck make at least six 3s in a game (Bledsoe). Last season, John Henson was the starting center and he made just a single 3-pointer all season. Backup center Thon Maker only made 31 3-pointers all season (Brook Lopez made 35 just in this month).

• Consistency and health

The health of the Bucks has perhaps been the most important factor to their success. They had the same starting lineup for every single game in November, and for 20 of their 21 games this whole season — the one exception being when Antetokounmpo rested a game per Budenholzer’s discretion.

Unfortunately, the Bucks did lose John Henson for a majority of the season to a wrist injury, but for the most part they have done well to remain injury-free thus far.