After beginning their 2024-25 season with a disastrous 2-8 document, the Milwaukee Bucks discover themselves within the midst of an encouraging turnaround in November. Milwaukee has now gained seven of its final eight video games and is now a semi-respectable 9-9 document on the yr.
That’s good for the fifth seed in a reasonably open Japanese Convention. Past a transparent high three together with the 17-2 Cleveland Cavaliers, 15-3 Boston Celtics and 13-7 Orlando Magic (who might be with out their solely All-Star, ahead Paolo Banchero, for a number of extra weeks), the remainder of the convention appears fairly beatable. If All-NBA Bucks celebrity ahead Giannis Antetokounmpo can keep wholesome, Milwaukee has not less than an opportunity to turn out to be the fourth seed and home-court benefit within the first spherical of the East playoffs this yr.
The New York Knicks (11-8) are at present the fourth seed within the East, however head coach Tom Thibodeau, a former assistant to present Bucks head coach Doc Rivers when each have been with the Boston Celtics, are likely to direct their greatest gamers onto the court docket to rack up wins within the common season. Typically this technique can backfire, resulting in early accidents.
Conversely, the 8-8 Miami Warmth, together with the 9-10 Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets, are all scorching on Milwaukee’s heels, so the membership cannot afford one other slide.
Former Milwaukee All-Rookie level guard Brandon Jennings, now a everlasting visitor on former three-time Washington Wizards All-Star level guard Gilbert Arenas’ aptly named “Gil’s Enviornment” podcast, praised Arenas for his sturdy perception in Milwaukee’s capability to rise up. from his depressing begin to the yr.
The Bucks should proceed to win to show issues round 🔄 pic.twitter.com/e0PCSvvl02
– Gilbert Arènes (@GilsArenaShow) November 28, 2024
“You understand who deserves numerous credit score?,” Jennings mentioned. “Gilbert Arenas. “I’m [going to] inform your self why… Really, you actually like Milwaukee. You are a Giannis fan.”
Arenas considerably refuted that declare, as a substitute declaring one other key contributor to the Bucks’ turnaround.
“Don’t thank me,” Arenas turned away. “It’s the schedule!”
5 of the seven golf equipment Milwaukee has overwhelmed throughout this run at present have data under .500. One other, the Warmth, have been dropped to .500 after falling to Milwaukee with out an injured Antetokounmpo. Nonetheless, the opposite membership the Bucks beat on this collection was the present No. 2 seed within the Western Convention, the Houston Rockets, 14-6.
The Bucks will subsequent face three straight sub-.500 groups, so the great vibes may proceed not less than into subsequent week. On Saturday, Milwaukee will face the 2-15 Washington Wizards. Milwaukee faces the Detroit Pistons 8-12 in an NBA Cup conflict on Tuesday, and continues the following evening towards the Atlanta Hawks 8-11.
Extra money: Milwaukee strikes Giannis Antetokounmpo, makes unbelievable haul in blockbuster commerce proposition
