Welcome to the NBA Hangover. We jot down NBA stuff mostly from last night that we want to talk about. Check it out.
The Bucks bounced back from their loss and whooped the Pacers.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Rick Wood/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.)
The Milwaukee Bucks lost against the Miami Heat on Monday. What did they do on Wednesday? Take it out on another team that had beaten them before. After leading by 22 in the first quarter, the Pacers came back to tie it after halftime. Unfortunately, Milwaukee regained their composure and led by as many as 28 points. Basically, the Bucks went out and whooped them asses.
The Bucks have still not lost back-to-back games this regular season. Only one team has managed to do this in NBA history and that was the 73-9 Golden State Warriors from 2015-16 (of course, we know what happened in the playoffs with these guys). Even the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls lost consecutive games.
So why are we still doubting the Bucks as of right now? Like I’ve said before, are they going to end up being treated like the 2008-09 Cleveland Cavaliers if they fail? Is it because, even though Khris Middleton has been INCREDIBLE this season, people still don’t trust the supporting cast? Didn’t we do this before with the 1991 Chicago Bulls? Is it because LeBron James just feels inevitable? Is it because of the recent failings of the Warriors in 2016? Is it because of injuries?
Now injuries are extremely tough to predict. That just changes everything. But suppose they stay healthy. Do the Celtics have what it takes to beat them, especially with the Jayson Tatum midseason leap? Are the Raptors still strong enough to unseat the Bucks even though they lost Kawhi Leonard? What if the Sixers get it together by playoff time? What if the Heat, who did beat the Bucks a couple of days ago, figured out the Bucks? Plus if they get to the Finals, I ask again, is LeBron inevitable? What about Kawhi, who was on the last team that eliminated the Bucks?
Still, as much as these teams can PROBABLY make a challenge to the Bucks, remember that all of these other teams are flawed. The Celtics and Rockets aren’t big. Toronto may not have that extra gear with Kawhi gone. The Sixers have chemistry problems. The Heat are relying on youth too much. The Lakers are toast when LeBron rests for an extended period. And the Clippers may have leadership problems.
The Bucks are flawed, too. What if Khris Middleton has his worst slump in the spring? What if no one else can produce offensively? What if teams figure out the Bucks’ defense? What if Giannis Antetokounmpo was forced to take over? Can he carry the load and score 50 if he has to?
Well, that’s why they play the games. But I do think the Bucks should have more respect than what they’re getting (including from me since I’m not writing about them enough). Why are we talking about Giannis possibly leaving? At least, everyone with a sane mind knows he should win his second consecutive MVP. But Middleton absolutely deserves more respect. Their rim protection has been aces. Their perimeter defense has been incredible. THEY’RE 53-9. They absolutely deserve coverage for how GOOD they have been.
But yeah, I suppose it won’t mean much unless they win the championship. I hope they do so the so-called experts would shut up.
(They won’t shut up.)
Bullet Passes
While Luka Doncic is here dazzling with his triple-doubles (30-17-10 on Wednesday), let’s not forget that Kristaps Porzingis (yeah, I know) has found a groove in the last month. After averaging about 25 and 11 in February, he followed that up with 38 points, 13 boards, and 5 blocks on Sunday and then 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 more swats on Wednesday. Hmmmmm.
After what felt like extended swoons, the Heat have won 4 straight while the Jazz have won 3 in a row. Good to see them find their way back.
The Grizzlies have also found their way back to .500 after 3 straight wins. One team to keep an eye on is Sacramento, though. They’re currently 27-34, which makes them 3.5 games behind the cubs. But they’re also 9-3 in their last 12. Just saying.
The Scoreboard
BOS 112 (42-19) @ CLE 106 (17-45)
OKC 114 (38-24) @ DET 107 (20-43)
IND 100 (37-25) @ MIL 119 (53-9)
ORL 113 (27-35) @ MIA 116 (40-22)
MEM 118 (31-31) @ BRK 79 (27-34)
UTA 112 (39-22) @ NY 104 (19-43)
CHI 108 (21-41) @ MIN 115 (19-42)
NO 123 (26-36) @ DAL 127 (38-25) (OT)
WAS 104 (22-39) @ POR 125 (28-35)
Watch This Play
Chris Chiozza would like you to dance with him.
Had KD bouncing out his seat with this move 😳 pic.twitter.com/NdgGSfmFjx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 5, 2020
That was pretty wicked.
GG.
Rey-Rey is on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
TNLP on FaceBook.
I sign off “GG” which means “good game” but also to honor Gianna “Gigi” Bryant.