The Milwaukee Bucks may have hit a rough patch early in the season, but they rounding back into their championship form quite nicely. They now hold the third seed in the Eastern Conference, just behind the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. Questions surrounding their legitimacy have now been quelled.
The Bucks’ latest exploits involve a huge 137 – 113 drubbing of the Los Angeles Clippers, where they set multiple records unheard of in the NBA. For example, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the starters combined for a whopping 114 points, the third-most total in NBA history.
The Bucks starters scored 114 points Sunday, their 3rd-most in any game in the last 25 seasons and their most in a road game. pic.twitter.com/crnq1INsDB
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 7, 2022
Furthermore, that same Bucks starting unit were the only team in NBA history where each member got 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 three-pointers made in a game. Talk about crazy production!
The Bucks are the first team in NBA history to have their entire starting lineup finish with at least 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 three-pointers made in a game.
(via @StatsBySTATS) pic.twitter.com/rYBEc4wAVS
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 7, 2022
The Bucks beat on the hapless Clippers (who are still waiting on their two stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard), but this sort of victory is what’s to be expected from a title contender. These victories are also great for boosting team morale.
A litany of injuries hampered the Bucks early in the season. With Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton coming straight from the Olympics and the Finals, it was no wonder they struggled early on. However, after some adjustments, Antetokounmpo and co. are back to the dominant team that is the clear-cut favorite to make it out of the Eastern Conference.
The road to the Finals will never be easy. There will be plenty of challenges that the Bucks have to face for them to even have a chance to defend their title. However, based on their recent performances (and a potential addition to the roster), it’s safe to say this team can and will make it back to the Finals.
