The Milwaukee Bucks reached the top of the NBA mountain by winning the 2022-23 NBA season at the start of the campaign.
After failing to help his team defend its championship last season, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo has turned into a one-man offensive team, currently leading the team in both points (34.4 ppg) and rebounds (14.0 rpg).
Since their 90-88 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee has been inconsistent over the next four games, sweeping Houston, Brooklyn, New York and Atlanta.
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Antetokounmpo is on pace to have a historic statistical season after shooting 60.4 percent from the floor in the Bucks’ first five games. The scary part is adding consistent three-point shooting to the lineup. Giannis is shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc this season. If there’s one glaring weakness, it’s his 61.3 percent free throw clip.
Contrary to what many believe, the Bucks are not just a one-man show as Antetokounmpo is getting significant contributions from veterans like Jrue Holiday (18.0 ppg), Brook Lopez (13.6 ppg) and Bobby Portis (13.0). Star shooting guard Khris Middleton is expected to give the team more offensive firepower as he returns from a torn ligament injury suffered in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference against the Boston Celtics.
These four players alone are averaging 30 PTS – 5 REB – 5 AST this season! 🔥🙌
(as if @statmuse)#giannis #ShaiGelGeousaleX #stephencary #lucadonsic pic.twitter.com/WSyxtJUt8z
– Sports and Basketball (@Basketball_SK) October 30, 2022
With shooters Joe Ingles, Pat Connaughton and Middleton still sidelined, the Bucks are averaging 113.40 points per game on 45.4 FG% and 34.7 3PT. Those numbers are well below the best offensive teams this season. However, Milwaukee’s league-best defense with 103.0 points allowed per game and 41.7 opponent FG makes this team a tough customer for any team.
Three of the Bucks’ next five games will be at home, including a two-game stand against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 31 and Nov. 2. After that, the team will travel to the Twin Cities to play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Nov. 4. before hosting the OKC Thunder the next day on Nov. 5. The Bucs begin a three-game road trip against the Hawks on Nov. 7.
