The Milwaukee Bucks are the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 42-24, but they have more to prove in the looming NBA playoffs than the average three-seed. A season ago they were a historically dominant team but were defeated fairly easily in the second round of the playoffs by the Miami Heat, who eventually represented the East in the NBA Finals.
This season, they’ve gone back to the basics in some ways. Even though they have better defenders on their roster now than in seasons past with players like Jrue Holiday and P.J. Tucker, their defense has taken a step back as they’ve tried to both maximize and optimize the way they defend.
The Milwaukee Bucks have more to prove than your typical three-seed in the coming NBA playoffs. Let’s look at the three individuals leading the pack.
Their best player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has had yet another phenomenal season although thanks in large part to voter fatigue, he won’t be winning a third-straight MVP award this season.
The Bucks also have two mighty opponents to get through in the East in the better-than-ever Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving. A year ago they were the cream of the crop in the conference, but the task is taller than ever now. And that’s to say nothing of the eventual Finals against the Western Conference champions.
Things are never easy, but they may be more challenging than ever for this team. Let’s take a look at three individuals who have the most to prove in the NBA playoffs this season.