Last year felt great. Seeing the Bucks roll into the NBA finals and come out victorious was an awesome thing to behold. They still have all the same major pieces in place. But can they do it again?
At current moment, the Bucks are in 2nd in our division. Not exactly the dominating team they were last year, but still pretty damn good. They’ve had stellar performances against some great teams this year, like Wednesday’s big victory over the Heat. But they’ve also lost some games this year against some not so great opponents.
As I consider whether or not they can double up, one thing stands out like a sore thumb for me.
The Bucks are a team that NEEDS to be at full strength and healthy, otherwise you can kiss any dreams of back to back champions goodbye. All of our starters have had to spend some time away this year due to injury, Covid protocol, or both. When that happens, that’s when we take the bulk of our losses. As good as this team is, remove one piece, and it comes tumbling down like a house of cards.
But if they can remain healthy, I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t do it. The Bucks still have the one thing that led them to greatness last year. This is a team that doesn’t go away. This team finds a way to stay in games that they seem outmatched in, and they eventually outlast their opponents. If that continues and our team stays at full strength, we could be chanting “Bucks in six” again.
Or dare I say, “Bucks in five”?
Cover photo credit: Associated Press
