The End of the Bucks Playoff Run!?

Author: Raul Martinez

Editor: Brian Symons

Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo helped charge the way to victory over the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. With this win, the Bucks will have a chance to appear in the NBA Final since 1974. Without the leadership of Antetokounmpo, the question remains if the Milwaukee Bucks can overcome their history of playoff trouble.

It's doubtful that the two-time MVP will return for the rest of the series, let alone the whole playoffs. Without Antetokounmpo's leadership, the Bucks must look to a new leader. Khris Middleton seems to be the next man up as he carried the team to the win with his 38 points. It's a task Middleton has never been asked to do in his career but must. Jrue Holiday is another option, though he's been mostly on and off during this playoff run. Holiday may be asked to conduct the offense and get the defense together.

Roll players must also step up during this competitive series. Brook Lopez must be a danger not only as a shooter and on the offensive glass, but also as a roller and in the post. Forbes must be made available for 3-pointers after dribble-handoffs, pin downs, and pick-and-pops. Bobby Portis must also make his defensive presence in the paint without Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks are significant for the city of Milwaukee as they haven't been relevant in the NBA since the '70s. This team has been heartbroken too many times in the last decade of the NBA playoffs and this could be their best chance to win the NBA Finals. With leadership and role players doing their job, this Milwaukee Bucks could be the team to lift up the Larry O'Brien Trophy.

SPORTS ARE OUR UNIVERSE