The Milwaukee Bucks take on the San Antonio Spurs Saturday night at Fiserv Forum.
It will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. In the first matchup, Milwaukee rode quality shooting nights from most of their key players to a 121-111 victory.
What will the Bucks need to do to be victorious this time around?
Key No. 1 – Box out
For a Bucks team that has been among the league’s best in rebounding every year under Mike Budenholzer, this may seem a little weird.
Milwaukee is coming off of a game where one could argue that they lost because of missed rebounds. While statistically only being out-rebounded by 6 doesn’t look all that bad, it was the times when the rebounds were happening that was the difference. Minnesota grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in that game and most of them came as momentum killers when the Bucks were on the verge of what seemed like a big run.
The Bucks should look to box out and not have a repeat of Wednesday night’s loss. If the Bucks can get on some more loose balls, their chances to win will go up exponentially.
Key No. 2 – Role players must step up
With Jrue Holiday, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez all out for Saturday’s game, there will have to be contributions made from some other players.
The Bucks have not had the luxury of having great health to start the season. Much of the success in their wins has been from role players stepping up when called upon. Players such as Pat Connaughton, George Hill, and Jordan Nwora have done some good things when Coach Bud has gone to them.
Milwaukee will need some more great production out of their bench players if they want to triumph over a pesky Spurs team.
Key No. 3 – Big night from Giannis Antetokounmpo
It’s fairly obvious that the Bucks have a better chance of winning when Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at his best.
A big game from Antetokounmpo becomes especially important in games like these, where he doesn’t have the supporting cast that he is accustomed to. In the first matchup against San Antonio last week, Antetokounmpo didn’t disappoint by going for 21 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 blocks. Antetkounmpo may be asked to do even more this time around, due to the team sending some players to the G-League roster and having less available bench options.
Giannis Antetokounmpo will likely have to shoulder much of the load if the Bucks want to come away victorious over San Antonio. The Bucks are at their best when their superstar is at his best, of course.
Final Thoughts
What may not seem like a very difficult matchup on paper, could turn into a very difficult one if Milwaukee is not careful.
The Spurs will always be capable of winning any matchup, as long as Gregg Popovich remains their coach. The Bucks should try not to fall into the trap of overlooking San Antonio.
The Bucks should be able to get the best of San Antonio, as long as they can achieve the three keys.
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