Ever since returning to play from the All-Star break, the Milwaukee Bucks have been on a roll. Winners of four straight overall, they are in a good position to gain ground in the East. As they look ahead to a showdown against the 76ers on Wednesday, we first will take a look back at three main takeaways from their previous win against Washington.
Giannis Should Be in the MVP Conversation
After going 16/16 from the floor in the All-Star game, Giannis Antetokounmpo has put together three straight triple-doubles. He is the first player in Bucks’ history to have a triple double in three straight games. Due to a slow start to the season (for him), he has not been mentioned as a MVP candidate this year. Perhaps it is time for that to change.
Since the All Star break, the MVP is averaging
⁃29 ppg / 10 rpg / 10 apg
⁃64% from the field
⁃57% from three
⁃95% from the lineWhere is Giannis in your MVP rankings❓ pic.twitter.com/SQq34Fil0f
— IKE Bucks Podcast (@IKE_Bucks) March 16, 2021
Donte DiVincenzo Is What He Is
While the Bucks have won four in a row, starting shooting guard Donte DiVincenzo has been ice cold from the floor. Even though he is still shooting nearly 38% from three, the rest of his shooting has been awful. He has a woeful 65% free throw shooting percentage and has been struggling on shots within two feet:
Donte DiVincenzo is 12th on this list with 49.5 FG% https://t.co/iNvfnHSbn5
— ً (@BucksGotNext) March 12, 2021
That being said, his defense has been stellar. He plays the passing lanes so well and is a constant disrupter. More than once a game, he is involved in fast break opportunities off of steals or tipped passes.
There's a Donte DiVincenzo pick six.
Feels like he is making at least one of those plays every game.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) March 12, 2021
Against the Wizards on Monday, DiVincenzo scored 12 points on 5/8 shooting, including 2/4 from three. At this point, Donte is a “three and D” player, and that may be what he is for the rest of his career.
Rebounds Lead to Wins
Prior to the All-Star break, the Bucks were being outplayed on the boards. Since coming back, the Bucks’ have been more physical in the rebounding game, fighting for offensive rebounds while limiting their opponents’ second chance opportunities. Against Washington on Monday, the Bucks won the rebounding battle 46-33. They also won the offensive rebounding battle, 9-2. This is a trend that will need to continue into the playoffs if the Bucks are to make a deep run.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherAdams14 and follow us @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content. Check out our merch page here and use promo code Wisco at check out for $1 off! To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
