Trying to explain the inexplicable: the Warriors’ struggles against the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks = Bad Boy Pistons.
This comparison seems crazy on the surface, but after watching tonight’s game, not that outrageous. The Bucks gave the Golden State Warriors fits like the Bad Boy Pistons gave Michael Jordan fits before Scottie Pippen arrived on the scene.
This comparison might be a big reach, but considering the Warriors are chasing the Chicago Bulls’ 72-win season, it’s easy to come to this conclusion.
Since this is a different era of NBA basketball, the Bucks and Pistons don’t play the same way. The Pistons would knock you down, cheap shot you, trash talk you, etc. The Bucks trash talk, but don’t necessarily play dirty. Rather, they use their youth, length and athleticism to bother the Warriors.
The Bucks length and athleticism was on display the whole night. They start a 6’6″ point guard on some nights and then have two guys who are 6’11” in the starting lineup. Teams like this pose a unique challenge for the Warriors.
Even though this Bucks team can’t shoot to save their lives, their length and athleticism allow them to somewhat match-up with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.
December 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Michael Carter-Williams (5) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) and forward Brandon Rush (4, center) during the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Carter-Williams showed this during Friday’s game. As good as Curry is, he can’t guard somebody 3-4 inches taller than him. Williams used his 6’6″ frame to bully Curry inside all night. Then, on defense he harassed Curry the way Avery Bradley did in Boston except Williams had help on almost every possession.
The Bucks also have players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jabari Parker, Khris Middleton, Greg Monroe and O.J. Mayo. Most of those players listed are all 6’7″ and above, which means they can match up with the Dubs versatility. Harrison Barnes has been absent in both of these games, so it’s difficult to know if the Bucks would be such a pain if he was playing.
The Warriors have tough times against teams with size (see Cleveland Cavaliers in the Finals and Utah Jazz this season). Teams with size who can bang with the Warriors matchup with them.
Also, the Bucks’ tempo has something to do with them matching up well with the Warriors. Their ability to slow the pace and limit shots and possessions gives them a good chance to win.
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Next, Jason Kidd is a very bright coach. Kidd was one of the best point guards of all time, so his knowledge of the game is rubbing off on the Bucks. The way they move the ball inside and play to their strengths is impressive.
Finally and most important, the Bucks are better than their 10-18 record. This was a team who came into the season with a ton of expectations. The team has failed to live up to them so far, but games like this against the Warriors show they have talent and the ability to match up with anybody.
It didn’t help the Warriors cause by calling out the Bucks as ferociously as they did. It was obvious the Bucks would be ready to play because the Warriors were providing all the motivation and the Bucks knew if they didn’t show up they would get blown out.
With the way the season series has gone the Bucks leave Dub Nation saying, “Why do they play well against us and lose to an awful team like the Lakers?”.
Great question.