Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from Game 4 sweep vs. Pistons

3. The Bucks’ defense can carry them when the offense doesn’t

During the regular season, the Bucks had the fourth-ranked offense to go with the top-ranked defense. In Game 4, they put their length on display for all to see. They can switch no matter what lineup opponents throw at them. If anyone gets beat off the dribble, they have multiple players that can block shots at a high level. Giannis and Brook Lopez combined for nine of them in the closeout game.

Through four games, their defensive rating is fourth in the NBA, and there is a five-point drop off from them to the Portland Trail Blazers in fifth place. Giannis is a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Bledsoe, as long as this version of him continues, can be a pest to opposing point guards on defense with his quickness, strength and wingspan. Even Sterling Brown at 6’6″ and 232 pounds is able to mix it up with opposing wings and shooting guards.

The Bucks’ offense was one of the best in the league during the regular season, and it’s been the best so far in the playoffs. However, as we saw in the first half of this contest, not all of their shots are going to fall. They need to be able to keep games close while they wait for the offense to heat up. With the showing that their defense has been putting together, they can accomplish that goal.