Winning the NBA Cup was the reward for the amazing recent turnaround in form from the Milwaukee Bucks and journalist Stephen A. Smith believes he knows why their fortunes have turned.
The Bucks started the season with a 2-8 record, something which left basketball fans and pundits around the world bemused.
Since then they have won 13 of their last 15 games putting them at the very top of the form guide.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was named the NBA Cup’s MVP, explained how he wants to win more with good friend Damian Lillard.
If he wants to win more he could feed back Stephen A. Smith’s interesting findings.
The Bucks won’t necessarily care why and how they are winning but Stephen A. Smith found some pretty clear indicators for the change in form.
Many would point to a better defense, which is, of course, crucial to winning games, it’s the offensive numbers which appear to be making the difference.
Three-point shooting has been slammed by former players in recent weeks with many saying it has ruined the game. However, when done effectively, as the Bucks show, it can be a game-winner.
Speaking on ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith said: “I have total faith in Giannis and Damian Lillard, my question is can the others continue to do what they’re doing?
“You have a whole bunch of dudes shooting over 40% from three-point range. They went from 16th in three-point efficiency when they started 2-8 and they’re tied for number one now.
“If you look at it from that standpoint, if the Milwaukee Bucks can shoot like that continuously they can win it all with Giannis.”
With the Bucks now sitting at the top of the three-point shooting charts in the league it’s worth breaking down the numbers.
Surprisingly the team do not have a single player in the top ten for the most three-point shots made this year, Damian Lillard is the highest in 17th with 86.
However, they do possess two of the top ten players for percentage three-point attempts made. They are AJ Green in sixth with 47.6% and Taurean Prince who sits top with an outstanding 51.6% made from behind the arc.
The only regular starter who is averaging less than 35% is Giannis (17.6%) who rarely attempts his luck from deep, why would he when he has his teammates doing that for him?
- Giannis Antetokounmpo 17.6%
- Damian Lillard 37.1%
- Bobby Portis 36.7%
- Brook Lopez 35.7%
- Gary Trent Jr. 38.8%
- AJ Green 47.6%
- Taurean Prince 51.6%
- Andre Jackson Jr. 38.1%
The Bucks have found a winning formula the tricky part is maintaining it.
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