After starting the season 2-8, the Bucks are back and on a hot streak. They have turned their overall record into a winning one, currently 14-11 and 5th in the Eastern Conference.
“I was pretty nervous at the start of the season because we started 2-8, but we’re finding our stride so I’m not worried about that,” junior Thomas Hanlon said.
The team is led by Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Giannis averaging 32.5 points and 11.6 rebounds leading the Bucks. Damien Lillard averages 25.7 points per game and 7.6 assists, leading the Bucks in assists.
“Both Dame and Giannis are the key parts of the bucks. Giannis is one of the best players in the league, and Dame is one of the best guards in the league,” junior Jack Grunske said.
The Bucks won the NBA Emirates Cup, defeating the Thunder in the championship 97-81. A combination of poor 3-point shooting from the Thunder only shooting 15 percent from deep and a stellar defensive second half by the Bucks only allowing 31 points in the final two quarters, the Bucks were able to defeat the Thunder by 16 points promptly. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double and 23 points from guard Damian Lillard also helped the Bucks greatly.
At the beginning of the season, the Bucks lacked defense and missed forward Khris Middleton. But as the season continues, they have improved and found ways to win games.
“I think the last couple of games have been great and we’re only going to get better with Khris Middleton coming back,” Hanlon said. “The Bucks could improve on their defense on the perimeter and score off people creating their shot which Middleton should help with.”
“I think our young guys Ajax and A.J. Green need to continue to step along with Dame and I also think the Bucks could trade for a guy like Herb Jones to improve our defense,” junior Charlie Sheridan said.
“Dame Lillard and Giannis are the greatest duo in the NBA and they showed it yesterday.” sophomore Brady Lindholm said.
Lillard and Giannis seem to have figured things out and can play and win together very well, along with the rest of the team. They have won 8 of their last 10 games.
“Giannis and Lillard make a crazy duo when both on the court at the same time. Giannis’ physicality and Lillard’s shooting ability make for an unstoppable combo. The rest of the league should be scared come playoff time,” junior Geraldo Jimenez said.
