Here’s the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporting on the Bucks, who continue to enjoy a better-than-expected season:
Defense is not optional for the Milwaukee Bucks.
They know the scrambling, hustling, switching defense they play will keep them competitive.
Better yet, it will lead to fast-break chances and easy baskets, even a few of those crowd-pleasing dunks.
Since the start of the calendar year, the Bucks have made big strides in stopping opponents and the numbers show it.
They rank second in the league since Jan. 1 in opponents field goal percentage (41.2%) and third in opponents points (92.9). They are first in opponents three-point percentage (30.2%).
The Bucks were 21st in average points allowed in late December but have risen to fifth, lowering their mark from 101.2 to 97.1 points allowed. They are second in the league in defensive efficiency — points allowed per 100 possessions — at 99.1, behind only the Golden State Warriors at 97.8. Milwaukee is third in opponents field goal percentage (43.4%), tied with Portland.
