PBSL 2033-34 PLAYOFF ROUND 1: #2 Bucks vs #7 Nets
Posted: Mon May 04, 2020 2:41 pm
#2 Milwaukee Bucks vs #7 Brooklyn Nets
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks pulled off some big moves in the offseason in signing Derrick Hunter and trading for Ja Morant. These two (along with growth from incumbent stars of Josh Schumann and Justin Rodriquez) catapulted them from top 5 lottery to 5th best record in the conference and #2 seed in the playoffs. The Bucks have a pretty balanced team and starting unit, and that balance extends to their bench depth as well (especially in the front court). On offense, they rank at worst top 9 in rebounds, assists, blocks, turnovers, and fouls. However, they are lacking in offensive efficiency, ranking 15th in field goal percentage, 14th in points per shot, and 25th in free throw percentage. Contrarily, their defense has been smothering, posting the 3rd best opposing field goal percentage, 7th best opposing 3 point percentage, 5th best opposing points per shot, and 3rd best opposing adjusted field goal percentage (leading to 6th best opposing points per game).
Keys to Victory: Don't settle for 3-pt shots and attack Jame Hector to get him in foul trouble. The Nets are one of the best 3-pt shooting defenses, and they will try to force you into unsavory shooting scenarios. Move the ball and don't settle for rushed 3-pt shots. Jame Hector is a great player, and could grow to be one of the better post defenders in the league. However, one flaw in his game is his not getting his body set, which leads to foul trouble. If the Bucks can get him into early foul trouble, this could create an opening for them to feast.
Brooklyn Nets
Similar to the Bucks, the Nets put together a great off-season re-design in the addition of Luka Doncic. They are playing some great basketball this season, with Luka and Slim Jenkins dominating on offense. Their effectiveness is clearly visible statistically, as they are not only top 6 in league in scoring, but also top 4 and 7 in field goal percentage and points per shot (respectively). Additionally, they are embrace the unselfish but clean basketball mentality, as they are top 5 in assists while also being top 5 fewest turnovers per game. Caine is a dominating rebounder and towers over most of his opposition; he and Jame Hector a perfect duo for the front court. On defense, they aren't the most stifling overall, but they are fantastic perimeter defenses with active hands.
Keys to Victory: Playing clean basketball on offense and creating turnovers on defense. The Nets don't turn the ball over much, and the Bucks aren't astronomically great at creating turnovers. If the Nets can maintain this style of clean play, then this is definitely something that can tip the matchup in the Nets' favor. The Bucks don't turn the ball over much, but the Nets rank among the league best in active handles and generating steals. Something is gonna have to give here.
Who do you think wins? Participate in the poll and pick the winner!
Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks pulled off some big moves in the offseason in signing Derrick Hunter and trading for Ja Morant. These two (along with growth from incumbent stars of Josh Schumann and Justin Rodriquez) catapulted them from top 5 lottery to 5th best record in the conference and #2 seed in the playoffs. The Bucks have a pretty balanced team and starting unit, and that balance extends to their bench depth as well (especially in the front court). On offense, they rank at worst top 9 in rebounds, assists, blocks, turnovers, and fouls. However, they are lacking in offensive efficiency, ranking 15th in field goal percentage, 14th in points per shot, and 25th in free throw percentage. Contrarily, their defense has been smothering, posting the 3rd best opposing field goal percentage, 7th best opposing 3 point percentage, 5th best opposing points per shot, and 3rd best opposing adjusted field goal percentage (leading to 6th best opposing points per game).
Keys to Victory: Don't settle for 3-pt shots and attack Jame Hector to get him in foul trouble. The Nets are one of the best 3-pt shooting defenses, and they will try to force you into unsavory shooting scenarios. Move the ball and don't settle for rushed 3-pt shots. Jame Hector is a great player, and could grow to be one of the better post defenders in the league. However, one flaw in his game is his not getting his body set, which leads to foul trouble. If the Bucks can get him into early foul trouble, this could create an opening for them to feast.
Brooklyn Nets
Similar to the Bucks, the Nets put together a great off-season re-design in the addition of Luka Doncic. They are playing some great basketball this season, with Luka and Slim Jenkins dominating on offense. Their effectiveness is clearly visible statistically, as they are not only top 6 in league in scoring, but also top 4 and 7 in field goal percentage and points per shot (respectively). Additionally, they are embrace the unselfish but clean basketball mentality, as they are top 5 in assists while also being top 5 fewest turnovers per game. Caine is a dominating rebounder and towers over most of his opposition; he and Jame Hector a perfect duo for the front court. On defense, they aren't the most stifling overall, but they are fantastic perimeter defenses with active hands.
Keys to Victory: Playing clean basketball on offense and creating turnovers on defense. The Nets don't turn the ball over much, and the Bucks aren't astronomically great at creating turnovers. If the Nets can maintain this style of clean play, then this is definitely something that can tip the matchup in the Nets' favor. The Bucks don't turn the ball over much, but the Nets rank among the league best in active handles and generating steals. Something is gonna have to give here.
Who do you think wins? Participate in the poll and pick the winner!