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Keys for the Milwaukee Bucks to win their series against the Chicago Bulls

By Thomas J. Brown

CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Jrue Holiday #21 Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate during player introductions prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 26: Jrue Holiday #21 Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate during player introductions prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on January 26, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 10: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts with teammate Khris Middleton #22 during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 10, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina, Keys for the Milwaukee Bucks to win their series against the Chicago Bulls. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

The Milwaukee Bucks cannot relax during their first-round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls.

Last summer, with the help of the Deer District, the team from the Badger State won its first NBA championship in 50 years. However, the euphoria of finally winning a title soon wore off, and the business of basketball kicked in. Integral veteran forward PJ Tucker signed with the Miami Heat as a free agent not long after the citywide parade. Reliable guards Bryn Forbes and Jeff Teague left via free agency as well.

The Milwaukee Bucks must maintain a sense of urgency during their first-round playoff series. If they get complacent, the Chicago Bulls will capitalize.

With the loss of these dependable veterans came a few new pieces. Grayson Allen, a talented but unpredictable guard was acquired through an offseason trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. George Hill, the ultimate glue guy, was brought back into the fold. And former NBA champion Serge Ibaka was acquired via a trade-deadline deal.

These high-IQ players are the perfect compliments to Milwaukee’s Big Three of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. However, in the world of pro basketball, there’s no such thing as a guarantee.

Although the Bucks have homecourt advantage in their first-round series against the Bulls, they are facing a team that has proven to be dangerous for a lot of reasons. Before the All-Star break, the Bulls occupied the number one spot in the Eastern Conference, and many pundits feel they are a lot better than their overall record. Let’s take a closer look at the key factors the Bucks must keep in mind in order to emerge victorious against their first-round opponent.

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