The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, are on the rise after a slow start to the season. Their recent NBA Cup victory and strong performance against top teams raise questions about their potential to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers, who have historically dominated the Eastern Conference.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) lifts up the NBA Cup while forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34), left, and center Brook Lopez (11), right, celebrate after their team's victory in the championship game of the NBA Cup.CLEVELAND, Ohio — The scariest superstar walking wears two antlers on his chest and counts seven feet between his hands.
He boasts two Most Valuable Player awards, one Defensive Player of the Year honor and one 2021 championship ring, plus an accompanying NBA Finals MVP trophy. When Giannis Antetokounmpo wore the NBA Cup medal around his neck Tuesday night, he reminded the league why nobody wants to see him when the games have stakes. Antetokounmpo’s Bucks visit Cleveland on Friday tied with the Celtics for the league’s best record (13-3) over their last 16 games, including Tuesday’s NBA Cup title over the West-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. Milwaukee slumped to a 2-9 start this season, which sullied its reputation as title contender, or even a playoff threat. But as the Bucks climb through the conference standings again, we must re-consider their ceiling, particularly as it pertains to the Cavs. Cleveland taught this lesson repeatedly from 2014-18, during which the Cavs made five straight NBA Finals appearances and won the franchise’s only NBA title. Good shooting (from guards like J.R. Smith and Kyle Korver), quality co-stars (Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love) and a quick-witted coach (Ty Lue) helped Cleveland win 52.7 games per season during that stretch. But LeBron James led the Cavs through the playoffs. Specifically, he spearheaded seven series wins against teams with better records. Ask the 2017-18 Toronto Raptors (59 wins), or the 2018 Boston Celtics (55 wins), or the 2014-15 Atlanta Hawks (60 wins) how much home-court advantage matters against an all-time great. Cleveland leads the NBA in offensive rating and 3-point percentage through 27 games. It leads the East in net rating and point differentia
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