The Milwaukee Bucks, who were considered one of the top title contenders after trading for Damian Lillard, have had a tough start to the 2023–24 season. The Bucks’ offense has appeared disjointed at times, while their defense, which was consistently ranked among the best in the NBA under former head coach Mike Budenholzer, has plummeted. Despite the fact that Giannis Antetokounmpo and company are still working out Adrian Griffin’s system on both sides of the floor, the Bucks are still able to pull off big wins because of their stars’ individual brilliance.
Antetokounmpo got everything he wanted against the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night, both offensively and defensively. In addition to 36 points, 12 rebounds, one steal, and two blocks, Antetokounmpo changed several shots late in the game, including a strong defensive stand in which the Bucks star forced a missed layup off a run-out from Dorian Finney-Smith, earning him high praise from head coach Adrian Griffin after the game.
“He’s incredible. He’s a champion. “Those are winning plays,” Griffin said of Giannis Antetokounmpo in his postgame news conference, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
The Bucks had enough faith in Antetokounmpo’s rim protection late in the game that they felt comfortable taking out Brook Lopez, trading some paint protection for extra perimeter mobility. And it was profitable. The Nets had a 4-3 situation late in the game, but the Greek Freak’s mere presence stopped them from getting a high-percentage shot off from the interior.
Damian Lillard powered the Bucks to victory in their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers. Lillard grabbed control of the offense late in the game against the New York Knicks in their first group stage game of the NBA In-Season Tournament, leading them to another victory. But it was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s time on Monday night to demonstrate what makes the Bucks such an unbeatable club when everything clicks.
The Bucks should be able to keep the momentum going against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night.