After the first six games of the season, Milwaukee remains the only unbeaten team in the NBA. This hot start has been accomplished without Middleton and Connaughton. This is an exciting start to the season and shows that Milwaukee has a well-balanced, complete team. However, at some point, the Bucks hope to be at full strength sooner rather than later. The NBA schedule is grueling and it will take all hands on deck to bring home another championship to Milwaukee.
Situational basketball can make or break a team late in games. As the NBA season progresses Milwaukee will need to roll out the best “death lineup” so they can win close games. Take a look at who I feel should be in that death lineup.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Everything the Bucks do will begin and end with Giannis. This is no secret to NBA teams, avid fans, or casual fans. This team struck gold when they drafted Giannis. When it’s all said and done, Giannis delivered on his promise. He brought a championship to Milwaukee. The only way Giannis isn’t on the floor at the end of the game is because he fouled out.
During the close-out game in the 2021 NBA Finals, Giannis proved to be able to make clutch free throws. Additionally, he rarely makes a terrible turnover in critical situations. His shot selection can sometimes be questioned but Giannis will take care of the ball in pressure situations. Lastly, there’s a reason Giannis earned NBA Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2020. He can guard every position on the floor at any given time.
Jrue Holiday
The defensive stopper whose offense is starting to roll. Jrue Holiday should be one of the most feared defenders in the NBA. He’s shown in huge moments to come up with a clutch play the team needs to secure a victory. Not only is Jrue’s defensive pressure impressive, but he also applies pressure without fouling. His quick hands and timely positioning cannot be taught. You’d like to see his career free throw percentage higher but at 77%, there are certainly worse options. The only knock on Jrue is his untimely carelessness with the ball a few times a half.
Khris Middleton
Rounding out the big three is Khris “Khash Money” Middleton. There isn’t a world where Giannis, Jrue, and Khris won’t be on the floor in late-game situations. Khris isn’t the worst defender but he isn’t the best. He is a willing defender when the game is on the line. Khris’ value comes on the offensive end. He’s someone who can create their shot, a vital attribute on a contending team. Khris has also come up big in some key games in his career. Having players who don’t shy away from the moment is a luxury in today’s NBA.
Pat Connaughton
Much like Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton has become a fan favorite in Milwaukee. Pat is tough, athletic, smart, and becoming a big-time shot-maker. Connaughton will defend at a high level and over the last season, he’s improved his shooting numbers from 3-point land. Whether Pat’s making big threes or putting his body on the line, he is a must on the floor in late-game situations.
Grayson Allen or Wes Matthews
First up, Grayson Allen. Allen has been the subject of trade rumors in the past due to his age, skill set, and salary. However, if you watch Allen play, he possesses a good basketball IQ. He plays defense with his feet, and rebounds, and makes unexpected plays for others on offense. As a career 39% 3-point shooter, it would be hard to keep that on the bench. Factor in the fact he knocks down free throws at 84% over his career, and that can’t be ignored. As frustrated as fans can get at Grayson Allen, you can’t argue that he may need to be on the floor late in games.
At age 36, can Wes Matthews be called upon to deliver in big moments? It’s possible. Wes showed he still has what it takes to play tough defense on some of the league’s best scorers during the 2022 postseason. When it comes to crunch time, the coaching staff will have to look at both Allen and Matthews and determine who’s playing better at that moment. This will likely determine who rounds out the last spot in Milwaukee’s “Death Lineup” this season.
Final Thought
Choosing who should be on the floor during these high-pressure, intense moments is tough. Does the team go big, small, or a balanced group? Ultimately, the Bucks are going to roll out players who match up best with their opponent players on the floor. The players chosen for this article are those I would trust. What are your thoughts?
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