Defensive dominance
The Bucks are ridiculously effective on the defensive end. The team currently has the perfect blend of chemistry and experience, and it’s being put to great use on defense. Their drop defense (and switching when needed) is seamless, with players moving in perfect tandem.
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The defense is also aided by ideal personnel for the modern NBA defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo is helped by the fact that his limbs are the size of kayak paddles. Eric Bledsoe combines feistiness and know-how to frustrate opposing guards during every possession that he is on the floor.
Brook Lopez makes up for his lack of mobility with keen awareness and gets to the restricted area to contest shots at the rim:
The veteran presence is essential to the Bucks’ road success. The team is posting a road defensive rating of 100.3.
Only two teams have posted defensive ratings under 100 since 2010 in full seasons, the 2013 Indiana Pacers (finished first in the Eastern Conference) and the 2016 San Antonio Spurs (finished 2nd in the Western Conference).
The Bucks simply play good, fundamental defense. The team is not in the top-5 in steals per game, but they easily rank first in defensive rating. The ability to come into another team’s arena and shut down their offense makes the Bucks’ path to victory much more accessible.