The Milwaukee Bucks are riding the momentum of a three-game win streak, securing victories against the Raptors, Spurs, and Magic. After an uninspiring post-NBA Cup stretch, these wins signify a critical turnaround for the team as they aim to reassert themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Bucks’ Three-Game Win Streak: Back on Track?
From Struggles to Success
The Bucks’ NBA Cup triumph in December was followed a few games later by a slump where they dropped four of five games to sub-.500 teams. The team struggled with defensive focus, ball movement, and injuries. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard were both returning from illness and injuries, and the team’s performance was noticeably below their usual standards.
Key Wins and Momentum Shift
The three-game win streak began with a dominant 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, where Giannis recorded a triple-double despite sustaining a cut on his hand. The team shot 22-of-44 from three-point range, highlighting improved ball movement and contributions from the bench.
Against the San Antonio Spurs, Milwaukee relied on a balanced effort and strong defensive execution, with Giannis limiting Victor Wembanyama to just 10 points. Brook Lopez, Gary Trent Jr., and AJ Green stepped up offensively while Antetokounmpo and Lillard combined for 51 points and 16 assists.
The streak was capped with a gritty 109-106 win over the Orlando Magic, where Antetokounmpo scored 41 points and Lillard added 29, including clutch free throws to seal the victory. Throughout these games, the Bucks showed flashes of the focus and intensity that had been missing during their slump, both offensively and defensively.
Statistical Turnaround: Slump vs. Win Streak
The Bucks’ improved performance during the win streak is evident in the numbers, highlighting a stark contrast to their struggles during the slump…