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Early rumblings of the Milwaukee Bucks' demise were 'exaggerated,' claims a report
The Milwaukee Bucks’ high-profile moves in the offseason and the middle of the season have placed the spotlight squarely on the team. People love a good drama, and the addition of Damian Lillard to an already-potent squad, as well as the firing of new head coach Adrian Griffin and hiring of Doc Rivers made for a juicy storyline. However, according to a report from NBA.com’s Shaun Powell, all talk about the Bucks potentially falling apart is “exaggerated.”
Tricky season to navigate
The Bucks’ season has had many twists and turns. From the explosive transaction that let go of core players Jrue Holiday and Grayson Allen to bring in Lillard, which resulted in their defense caving in, to the hiring of Doc Rivers to replace Griffin 43 games into his tenure as head coach.
“Milwaukee has endured two crisis points — early in the season when their defense turned to dust, and for about a week after Doc Rivers was hired. Three, if you count their collapse in the In-Season Tournament semis,” Powell wrote.
Even when Doc came on board, Milwaukee’s fall from grace continued. They entered the All-Star break, losing seven of their previous ten games, leading many to question whether this team could truly compete for a championship.
Things are now clicking
However, all those trying times are in the rearview mirror now for the Bucks. Winners of six straight games seem to have found their groove at just the right time. With Lillard feeling more comfortable with his offensive role and the defense finding their rhythm, the Bucks have become a formidable force once again.
“Yet with just over a month left in the season, we find the Bucks in step with projections. Also, it’s much quieter now under Rivers. And after a bumpy introduction, Damian Lillard is fitting in. The lesson: This team should be judged by the playoffs and playoffs only. So let’s all pause until then,” Powell surmised.
