Head Coach: Mike Budenholzer (2nd Season)
Record: 53-12 (1st in Eastern Conference)
All-Stars: 2 (Giannis Antetokounmpo – 4th, Khris Middleton – 2nd)
Scoring Leaders: Giannis Antetokounmpo (29.6 PPG), Khris Middleton (21.1 PPG), Eric Bledsoe (15.4 PPG)
Rebounding Leaders: Antetokounmpo (13.7 RPG), Middleton (6.2 RPG), Donte DiVincenzo (4.9 RPG)
Assists Leaders: Antetokounmpo (5.8 APG), Bledsoe (5.4 APG), Middleton (4.1 APG)
Offense: 118.6 Points Scored/Game (1st)
Defense: 107.4 Points Allowed/Game (T-5th)
Key Wins: Clippers x2 (129-124, Nov. 6; 119-91, Dec. 6), Lakers (111-104, Dec. 19), Raptors x2 (115-105, Nov. 2; 108-97, Feb. 25), 76ers x2 (112-101, Feb. 6; 119-98, Feb. 28), Celtics (128-123, Jan. 16), Pacers x2 (102-83, Nov. 16; 119-100, Mar. 4), Jazz (122-118, Nov. 25)
Season Summary: It has been a dream season in Milwaukee, as the Bucks own the NBA’s best record at 53-12 and perhaps their best chance at the franchise’s first title since 1971. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is the biggest reason why, as he leads the team in scoring, assists and rebounds. He’s also second in steals and blocks. Antetokounmpo ranks third in the NBA in both scoring and rebounding, and his averages (29.6 PPG, 13.7 RPG) are both career highs. His current Player Efficiency Rating (31.63) is tied for the 6th-best of all time, behind two Michael Jordan seasons, two Wilt Chamberlain seasons, and a LeBron James season.
The Bucks lead the NBA in a number of major categories, including scoring (118.6 PPG), rebounding (51.7 RPG) and opponent field goal percentage (41.3%). Additionally, the Bucks rank second in team field goal percentage (47.7%) and third in blocks (6.0 BPG). That bodes well for the playoffs. They’ve got a 6.5-game lead on Toronto for the best record in the Eastern Conference.
Memorable Moment: There are plenty to choose from, including an 18-game winning streak that lasted from Nov. 10 through Dec. 14, a season sweep of the LA Clippers, and four triple-doubles from Giannis. But the most memorable moment of the season might have been a 111-104 win over the Lakers in Milwaukee on Dec. 19. Antetokounmpo went off for 34 points and 11 rebounds, and the Bucks’ bench outscored the Lakers reserves, 34-4.
Player to Watch: Khris Middleton – The obvious answer is Antetokounmpo, but don’t forget about Middleton. The 28-year-old made his second straight All-Star appearance in February, and he’s averaging 21.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game. He’s also shooting a career-high 49.9% from the field and 41.8% from deep. Antetokounmpo may win his second straight MVP award, but Middleton’s performance could go a long way in determining whether or not the Bucks can capture their first NBA title since two guys named Oscar Robertson and Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) were leading the way.
