Milwaukee Bucks: 4 reasons not to worry about two-game skid

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Jrue Holiday #21 and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks talk during a free throw against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 29, 2020 in Miami, 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Both losses came against playoff teams

Every year on Selection Sunday, college basketball analysts weigh in on the value of wins and losses for respective teams. If a team’s losses came at the hands of quality opponents, they don’t hurt their chances of making the NCAA tournament the same way losses against bad teams would. A similar approach can be taken when examining the Bucks’ losses to the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz. Both contests were road games for Milwaukee and both teams are playoff-bound.

in Wednesday’s loss at Phoenix, Milwaukee came up short by one point. If reigning league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s last-second jump shot had gone in, it would have been the perfect ending to an epic performance. His season-high 47 points served as a reminder to the league that he’s capable of single-handedly dominating a game.

The Suns currently have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference and would have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs if the season ended today. There’s no shame in dropping a regular-season game against them in their gym.

The Utah Jazz have the best record in the NBA. If the playoffs started today, they would have homecourt advantage throughout. Rudy Gobert is playing like he wants another Defensive Player of the Year trophy and Donovan Mitchell is making a case for being named First-Team All-NBA. It’s been harder than ever for a road team to win a game in Utah this season. Now the Bucks understand why. That being said, Friday night’s loss to the Jazz is no cause to be overly concerned.

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