Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a lot of success against the Brooklyn Nets. He beat them in game 7 of last year’s NBA Playoffs, and he beat them again in game 1 of this year’s postseason. But if he wants to win back-to-back championships, he will need to beat them again on Wednesday night.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been a surprise this season, as they currently sit at the top of the East. If Giannis Antetokounmpo wants to win back-to-back championships, he must beat the Nets again if he wants to do so. Read more in detail here: bucks starting 5.
The Bucks have won their second title in club history after 50 years. The incredible part is that it may just take one year to win again. The Bucks have the potential to go back-to-back with their core returning, as well as a bench that might be considered stronger than last year.
Since the Golden State Warriors’ championships in 2017 and 2018, the NBA hasn’t had a club repeat as champions. Granted, the NBA boasts a wealth of talent at every position. Not to mention that beating the Nets took seven games, and the Bucks were one Kevin Durant toe away from a different ending. As we go into the new year, this roster has one of the greatest all-around teams in the league.
Jrue Holiday, point guard
The Bucks wondered aloud, “What’s missing?” In 2020, the squad took a peek in the mirror after finishing first in the East and discovered it was Jrue Holiday. In comparison to previous moves, it wasn’t a big deal at the time. Holiday had only made one All-Star appearance in his career and had been out of the playoffs in New Orleans for years.
Milwaukee welcomed the holiday with open arms. He was a standout defensive guard in the league last season, earning All-Defensive First Team honors. He also put up 17.7 points per game while shooting 50.3 percent from the field. Holiday had his moments in the playoffs, but he had a terrific overall game. Holiday may be able to return to the All-Star Game this year.
Donte DiVincenzo, Shooting Guard
DiVincenzo was traded by the Bucks during the playoffs, and he did not appear in the NBA Finals. He averaged 10.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 37.9% three-point shooting in 66 regular-season games. Many people thought DiVencenzo was a bargain when he was selected out of Villanova. His outside shooting has steadily improved each year, and he should continue to improve this season.
DiVencenzo’s rebounding makes him even more important at the two-guard position. He’s one of the league’s best rebounding shooting guards. The Bucks would be in good shape if he could improve his three-point shooting to 40%.
Khris Middleton, Small Forward
(Image courtesy of Sports Illustrated)
Middleton was left out of the All-Star Game this year, but he still won an NBA title and an Olympic gold medal in the end. Because he played in a market like Milwaukee, Middleton is underappreciated. Middleton will get a lot more attention now that he is a champion.
In three of the past four seasons, Middleton has averaged at least 20.0 points per game. He had a line of 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.1 steals last season. When Middleton made a play on offense, the whole offense made a play. The Bucks suffered when he struggled. While Giannis is the greatest player on the team, Middleton is the glue that keeps it all together.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – Giannis Antetokounmpo – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis became the sixth player in NBA history to score 50 points in a game in the Finals. Isn’t that good for a guy who only has one more? James Harden In any case, Giannis, unlike the three-time scoring champion, is a champion. So far, Giannis has ascended the NBA’s hall of fame. Is he a top-25 player all-time if he wins another championship?
The fact that Giannis won his championship while remaining in Milwaukee has gained him the admiration of the whole basketball community. Remember, he’s a two-time MVP and past Defensive Player of the Year who’s just 30 years old. Have we seen the best of him? If you’re on the other side, that’s a frightening thing to ask.
Brook Lopez (center)
Next season, Lopez will be 34 years old. How much more high-level contribution can he make? He’s come a long way since averaging 20 points a game. He doesn’t shoot effectively from beyond the arc, and his rebounding and defense have suffered as a result. Lopez shot 50.3 percent from the field last season, which was his highest mark since 2015, but his game has flaws.
For the time being, Lopez is the starter, but he may be replaced by another player, such as Bobby Portis, as the season progresses. Lopez has developed an outside shot, and if he can shoot 35 percent from three, he will be able to fulfill his position on the court.
Bench
George Hill, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, Elijah Bryant, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jordan Nwora, Justin Jackson, Rodions Kurucs, Bobby Portis, George Hill, Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, Elijah Bryant, Semi Ojeleye, Rodney Hood, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jordan Nwora, Justin Jackson, Rodions Ku
George Hill’s signing in the offseason was a big coup. Hill is a proven winner who, if the club does not re-sign Jeff Teague, can fill the backup guard position better than Teague. With the Pacers and Cavaliers, Hill has been in Conference Finals. With the 76ers last season, he came close. Another low-cost, high-reward acquisition was Rodney Hood. Hood has the ability to outperform Bryn Forbes as a contributor.
When DiVencenzo was sidelined for the remainder of the playoffs, Connaughton filled in for him. Bobby Portis is a high-energy player who will see a lot of action. To stay in Milwaukee, he accepted less money. Grayson Allen, the team’s final major name on the bench, may be a significant defensive boost if he is acquired through trade. Allen is not only a good defender, but he also shoots 38.1 percent from beyond the arc in his career. Overall, this is a well-constructed bench.
Milwaukee should go to the Conference Finals once again.
The world expects Milwaukee and Brooklyn to meet in the Conference Finals. It’d be a great rematch between the two clubs from last season. It would most likely last seven games. While the Nets are the favorites to win the championship this year, there’s a good case to be made that both teams may battle tooth and nail for the crown.
The Bucks have the talent to get to the Conference Finals once again. Both the 76ers and the Nets will have formidable opponents. The Knicks, Bulls, Celtics, and Hawks will all be in the mix. Even yet, the Bucks are the reigning champs and haven’t lost too many players. You must treat them with the respect they deserve.
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