There’s no denying that defense has been a major issue for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. As a matter of fact, this problem was a crucial factor in the team’s decision to fire rookie coach Adrian Griffin.
The Bucks now get to test their defense against one of the top offenses in the NBA today in the Denver Nuggets. It will be a massive challenge for Milwaukee as they look to slow down two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic and the rest of the defending champs.
Nuggets Coach Speaks on Defense Ahead of Milwaukee Bucks Showdown
Incidentally, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone recently dropped a harsh truth bomb on the current state of defense in the league. The timing of Malone’s statement coincides with their Monday night matchup against the Bucks, who notably have one of the most porous defenses in the league at the moment.
“There is no defense in the NBA right now,” Malone said, via Rachel Strand of ClutchPoints. “You could be top 10 in defensive efficiency right now and three years ago you’d be bottom 10 with the same efficiency. It’s getting harder and harder to guard guys. Guys are ultra-skilled. Guys like Joel [Embiid], guys like Luka [Doncic], guys like Devin Booker. It’s just really hard to guard guys 1-on-1 anymore. You also have to give the individual credit. What Joel’s doing for example this season from a scoring standpoint is just almost unprecedented.”
As Malone said, it’s not just Joel Embiid who has been killing it on the offensive end this season. In fact, the reigning MVP’s mind-blowing 70-point game earlier in the week was outdone by Luka Doncic, who dropped 73 a few days later. The fact that Devin Booker and Karl-Anthonoy Towns also scored 62 points in the same week further supports Malone’s strong message here.
Nikola Jokic isn’t bad either. While the 6-foot-11 big man may not be as explosive as the Embiid’s and the Doncic’s in terms of scoring, there’s absolutely no denying that he’s one of the greatest offensive threats this game has ever seen.
Needless to say, the Bucks will have their hands full on Monday night.
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