Contender in Picture: Milwaukee Bucks

Many thought that last season would be a story of resurgence for the Milwaukee Bucks as they would have actually managed to reach the NBA Finals once more had it not been for the string of injuries that the team has suffered. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard now returning to full health in the season, it is easy to expect that the Bucks are now indeed gunning for a chance to prove their worth on the big stage and show that they can actually win it all.

The last time the Bucks were able to come up with an elite-level performance was back in the 2021 NBA Finals, where they defeated the Phoenix Suns after coming back from an 0-2 deficit and clinching the title at home in Game Six to win their first title since 1971, becoming the first and only team to win a championship in both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Now that the are ready to roll, it does seem that the team is expecting to make a wild dash to the big stage once more.

Previous Season in Review

The Milwaukee Bucks' 2023-24 season was marked by significant changes and high expectations. After a disappointing early playoff exit the previous season, the team made headlines by acquiring superstar Damian Lillard in a blockbuster trade with the Portland Trail Blazers. This move was aimed at pairing Lillard with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, creating a formidable offensive duo.

The Bucks finished the regular season with a strong record, solidifying their place as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference, ending up as the third seed in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record. While it is still a good winning record, it was their second-lowest win total in the last five seasons, with the other three being 50-win seasons and the 2020-21 season seeing them end up with 46 wins but then winning the championship.

Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee generated immense anticipation. The Bucks were looking to bounce back after an early playoff exit the previous season, and adding Lillard to their roster instantly made them one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. His blend of scoring, playmaking, and leadership was exactly what the team needed. His stats may have dipped, but he did show some impressive strides in the game to prove that he still has what it takes play at a high level.

Throughout the regular season, Giannis displayed his usual dominance, averaging impressive numbers, averaging 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting a massive 61.1% from the field – a career-high. His scoring came from a variety of sources: relentless drives to the basket, mid-range jumpers, and improved free-throw shooting. His ability to finish in traffic remained unmatched, and he frequently drew fouls, leading to trips to the charity stripe.

Potential Starting Five

After a splashful offseason in the previous run, it seems that the Milwaukee Bucks are taking it down a notch this time as they made few roster changes compared to the last time and have not made actual moves in the summer, aside from signing the likes of Taurean Prince, Gary Trent Jr., Stanley Umude, and Delon Wright. They have also picked up the likes of AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Milwaukee Bucks: Projected Starting Five + Stats

The starting lineup remains pretty much the same for the Bucks this season, and it does seem that the team will come up with less changes in the long run. However, fans should expect some minutes from the new signings in the team with Doc Rivers expected to make some rotational experiments across the season.

Key Player to Watch

While Johnson has shown promise offensively, his defensive capabilities will be crucial. The Bucks have a strong defensive identity, and if he can contribute on that end of the floor, it will increase his value to the team. If Johnson can establish himself as a reliable shooter, he would fit well in a system that thrives on spacing. With Lillard and Giannis drawing attention, having a capable shooter like Johnson would open up the floor for the entire team.

The Last Five Seasons

The Milwaukee Bucks have had one of the biggest runs in the last five years in the NBA. They have managed to come up with a total of three 50-win seasons so far, and two seasons with 40+ wins, including last season and the 2020-21 season, where they managed to win the NBA Finals. At this point, the Bucks may well be poised for a bigger run that fans are looking forward to.

Milwaukee Bucks Record in the Last Five Years

While their campaigns have been met with success, it is worth noting that the Bucks have had some struggles in the next seasons after winning the NBA Finals, with two consecutive first-round exits taking place, which has been quite a disappointing note for the team at this point in time. This season, the Bucks are expecting to make a trip back to the Eastern Conference Finals, and this may be the chance they are looking for.

What to Expect from the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2024-25 Season?

The 2024-25 season promises to be an exciting one for the Milwaukee Bucks. With their star-studded roster, a commitment to defense, and a focus on player development, they will be positioned as serious contenders for the championship. How well they can execute their game plan and manage health will ultimately determine their success.

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