Milwaukee Bucks: 5 steps they must take to reach the NBA Finals

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 29: Mike Budenholzer and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 29, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Consistency from 3-point range

Outside shooting is of increased importance in today’s NBA. The Bucks’ best player may never become a serious threat from 3-point land, but it’s important to surround him with guys who can shoot from deep in order to keep the defense honest. Ever since the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, when Nick Nurse instructed the Toronto Raptors to “build a wall” to stop Antetokounmpo from driving, pundits have argued that clogging the interior was the best way to stop the Bucks’ attack.

However, the Bucks were able to duplicate the regular season success of the previous season in 2020, again walking away with the best record in the league. This was in large part due to the number of knockdown shooters they placed around their star. The Bucks boasted four players who shot over 40.0 percent from 3-point land, which has become the benchmark of a top-notch marksman. Khris Middleton, George Hill, Kyle Korver and Dragan Bender all eclipsed 40.0 percent from deep during the regular season and they’ll need to duplicate that feat next season.

In the Eastern Conference, outside shooting will be of the utmost importance next season. Miami has Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, who are ready to launch from deep at any given moment. Boston’s core of Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Kemba Walker are all capable 3-point shooters; they also have Gordon Hayward, who can knock down the three-ball, and Marcus Smart, who became a revelation from 3-point land during this year’s playoffs.

If Milwaukee hopes to replace one of those two teams in next year’s Eastern Conference Finals, and eventually reach the NBA Finals, they will have to be able to match the shooting barrage that other elite teams are bringing on a night in and night out basis.

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