USA Today via Reuters
Jun 10, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against Brooklyn Nets forward Nicolas Claxton (33) in the first quarter during game three in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 10, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against Brooklyn Nets forward Nicolas Claxton (33) in the first quarter during game three in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Defending champions Milwaukee Bucks have had their share of accomplishments last season. The young roster led by Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 Finals to lift the trophy. But, could the Bucks do it again in 2022?
The 2020-21 season was an injury-plagued year for numerous top teams including the Nets and Lakers. Amongst the chaos, the 26-YO Greek Freak found his way to the title.
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To everyone’s surprise, the eastern conference is a stacked group at the moment. Last season, Atlanta Hawks impressed the fans, Nets formed their Big 3, and the Knicks made their first playoff appearance after several years. With an expectation of healthier squads for the upcoming season, the Bucks will have to strive to defend their trophy.
USA Today via Reuters
Jun 25, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young (11) puts up a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the third quarter during game two of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
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Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. are aware of the Nets’ possible comeback
Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the ultimate powerhouses for Miwaukee. And P.J. Tucker handles the defensive wing for them. With the team’s recent highs, Mike Budenholzer will be cautious about their competition next season, especially the bigwig Brooklyn Nets.
James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving rarely played together due to injuries. They are looking to come back healthy next season. In a recent episode of ‘The Jump’, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst shared the concerns that Bucks might face. He told – “I’m not expecting them (Bucks) to repeat. Talking to the folks in the Bucks organization, they realize that to have a chance to repeat, they’re gonna have to get a good seed. They know that the Nets are going to be better and healthier.
Windhorst further added – “So, I’m not expecting them to come flying out of their gates but I am expecting them to have the gas pedal down for a lot of this season.”
Can Milwaukee Bucks defend the title?
The Bucks finished the 2021 regular season on the third season with a 46-26 record. They sweft Miami Heat in the first round and further knocked out Nets from the playoff run in a seven-game series.
When the eastern conference comes prepared for the upcoming run to the title, do you think Bucks could hold their chance yet again? Let us know in the comments.
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