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Report hands the Milwaukee Bucks a grade of ‘B’ for their season

The Bucks' season is graded a 'B’ by Bleacher Report.
Jonas Panerio|
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Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks have dealt with a lot this season. From a trade that dealt away several key players to acquire a legitimate superstar to bringing in a new coach who was eventually replaced before the All-Star break, it's all been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Bucks.

Despite all of these changes and challenges, the Bucks have managed to maintain a lofty spot near the top of the Eastern Conference. As the end of the regular season nears, experts are beginning to weigh in on how well teams have performed throughout the year. And according to Bleacher Report, the Bucks may have earned themselves a solid "B" grade.

Playing a lot better now

After slumping toward the All-Star break, the Bucks are now clicking. The team has now won six straight games and is putting forth better defensive performances under the guidance of veteran coach Doc Rivers.

"They've certainly dealt with (or caused) plenty of tumult over the course of the season, but they're still headed toward 50-plus wins and defending better under Doc Rivers," Andy Bailey wrote.

"Most importantly, they have a consensus top-three-to-five player in Giannis Antetokounmpo and a new offensive co-star that covers for Giannis' very few flaws in a way no other Buck has during his career," Bailey continued, referring to eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard.

Clutch performer

As Lillard showed again on Monday, he's still capable of putting a team on his shoulders and carrying them to a win. With Giannis nursing Achilles tendonitis, Dame scored 41 points to help the Bucks thwart the Los Angeles Clippers.

"In the 2022 and 2023 postseason, Antetokounmpo's lack of a jump shot and the team's general inability to create great looks in the clutch doomed them. Now, the Bucks have one of the most famously clutch players in NBA history in, Damian Lillard. And right now, he's fourth in the league in total clutch points scored," Bailey remarked.

Doc Rivers explains why Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t being mentioned as much in MVP conversations

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO