3 keys behind the Milwaukee Bucks recent win streak

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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3 keys behind the Milwaukee Bucks recent success
May 29, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) controls the basketball against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter of game four in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

3 keys behind the Milwaukee Bucks recent win streak: Taking care of the basketball

Just as there are things a team can do to increase their chances of winning, there are also numerous things a team can do to self-sabotage throughout the course of the game.

One of those things is turning over the basketball. Failing to be responsible with the ball kills a team’s offensive continuity while also providing opportunities for fastbreak points for the opposition.

During their four-game winning streak, the Milwaukee Bucks have turned the ball over just 54 times. That is an average of 13.5 turnovers per game, which is a great number when taking into consideration the number of offensive possessions Milwaukee averages over the course of a 48-minute game.

With Jrue Holiday at the helm, the Bucks are capable of pushing the ball in transition and increasing the tempo of the game. The fact that they’re able to do this while not coughing the ball up to their opponent means they eliminate costly mistakes that could impact the outcome of the game unfavorably.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best “downhill” players in the entire NBA. His ability to go the length of the floor in transition and get to the basket in just a few strides is remarkable. He’s also an elite finisher at the rim.

A lot of these transition buckets are created by the Bucks’ pesty defense, which often turns ill-advised passes by the opponents into steals. The fact that Milwaukee is creating transition offense while also eliminating the opportunity for the opposing team to do the same gives them a decided advantage night in and night out.