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Bucks Triumph Without Stars: A New Era of Defense and Strategy?
Nov 12, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the fourth quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images|Jeff Hanisch/Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Bucks Triumph Over Raptors: A Defensive Showcase
The Milwaukee Bucks recently secured a victory against the Toronto Raptors, a game that highlighted the team’s resilience and defensive prowess. Despite missing key players like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, the Bucks managed to hold off the Raptors, improving their record to 3-8. This win was particularly significant as it marked the first time in two years that the Bucks won a game while shooting less than 30% from three-point range and scoring under 100 points.
Young Talent Steps Up
In the absence of Lillard and Middleton, the spotlight was on the younger players, and they did not disappoint. Ryan Rollins, making his first start, showcased his defensive skills with five steals, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His ability to pressure the Raptors’ offense and facilitate quick transitions was crucial. Rollins’ performance, alongside A.J. Green’s persistence in shooting, despite early struggles, was a testament to the young players’ determination and potential.
Green, who took a career-high 14 three-point attempts, demonstrated the importance of making plays beyond scoring. His defensive efforts and rebounding were vital in maintaining his presence on the court. The young Bucks’ ability to contribute defensively, even when their shots weren’t falling, was a refreshing change and a key factor in the victory.
Defensive Strategy and Rim Protection
The Bucks’ defense was the cornerstone of their win against the Raptors. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez anchoring the defense, the team excelled in rim protection, forcing the Raptors to shoot a dismal 34% at the rim. This defensive effort was reminiscent of the Bucks’ past successes, where their ability to protect the paint was unmatched.
The game also highlighted the importance of playing with pace. The Bucks’ strategy of pushing the ball quickly into the half-court, even without their star players, disrupted the Raptors’ defense and created opportunities. This approach, combined with a focus on taking more three-point shots, aligns with the modern NBA’s emphasis on pace and space.
While the Bucks’ offense struggled at times, their defensive intensity and ability to force turnovers were enough to secure the win. The team’s commitment to defense, even in the face of offensive challenges, is a promising sign for the rest of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
- Analysis of the Bucks’ shot selection and three-point strategy
- The impact of missing key players on the team’s performance
- A look at the Bucks’ upcoming schedule and potential challenges
- Discussion on the development of young players like Ryan Rollins and A.J. Green
- Insights into the Bucks’ defensive adjustments and their effectiveness
Klay Thompson’s homecoming to The Bay started well before he hit the floor last night at Oracle with the Mavs and roughly 19,000 fans started waving nautical Captain hats.
It started mid-way through last season, when Golden State didn’t signal they’d immediately be resigning Thompson as the franchise had, up to then, always been in a hurry to. There were shades of it along with Thompson’s frustrations in his game changing, the splashy shots not falling as fluidly as they used to. Clues came in the way the Warriors felt their frustrations as a team: once together, a cohesive unit, and then splintering and individually.
“Even from July, when Klay decided to go to Dallas to us showing up for training camp and him not being here, it was kind of like a slow build to this night for everybody,” Warriors point guard, Steph Curry, said after last night’s game.
Basketball isn’t played in a vacuum, and Curry sharing the psychic and emotional timeline of the team underscores that in a rare glimpse behind the curtain. Sometimes its brightest full-circle moments have to struggle through discomfort, angst and loss in order to come back around. Often, the storylines with the most ups and downs are the ones that end the most cathartically.
Since this season began, Thompson’s been candid about how necessary the move to Dallas was for him. “Every pro athlete’s human, and uncertainty can bear on you,” he told ESPN prior to Tuesday night’s homecoming game.
“Honestly, it’s rejuvenated me and done something I needed bad just for my mental [state] and my career,” Thompson said.
It’s a knife’s edge between animosity for an athlete’s who’s left a franchise they share a storied history with and sympathy for their decision. What tips fans to one side or the other can skew personal, so isn’t always easy to predict, but Thompson’s tendency toward honesty helps. He’s always been someone who wears what he’s feeling on the floor openly, and for that fans — for the most part — respond with empathy. There’s a sense that through all the years he played for the Warriors there was an open conduit of conversation between him and the fanbase.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview The Detroit Pistons go up against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Fiserv Forum at 8:30 PM ET. Read the preview.(NBA)
Analysis The Bucks vs. Raptors game provided plenty of takeaways, including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant performance and Gradey Dick showing promise. The game was a rollercoaster, but the Bucks managed to secure a win. (Brew Hoop)
Legacy Klay Thompson feels “free” after his late-career move to Dallas. (ESPN)
Fantasy Basketball Takeaways From Tuesday - Robert Williams Day
Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III (35) shoots the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (11) during the first half at Moda Center. |Photo by Soobum Im/Soobum Im-Imagn Images
Tuesday’s NBA games offered a wealth of insights for fantasy basketball managers. Here’s a closer look at the key takeaways and strategic moves you should consider:
Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic
- Grant Williams: With his move to the starting lineup, Williams is a viable short-term pickup, especially while the Hornets deal with injuries. His ability to contribute in multiple categories makes him a solid addition in deeper leagues.
- Moussa Diabate: Diabate’s rebounding prowess is noteworthy, especially with the Hornets’ frontcourt injuries. He’s a strong option for those in need of rebounds in deeper formats.
- Franz Wagner: Wagner’s performance underscores his value, particularly with Paolo Banchero out. Consider selling high if you can get a top-tier player in return, as his current production may dip once Banchero returns.
Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons
- Tyler Herro: After a 40-point explosion, Herro is a prime sell-high candidate. His shooting percentages are unlikely to sustain, so capitalise on his current form to bolster your roster.
- Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey: Both players showed their potential to fill the stat sheet. Cunningham remains a must-start, while Ivey’s bounce-back game suggests he’s worth holding onto for his upside.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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