What the Bucks can learn from this year’s playoffs: Eastern Conference First Round

Having checked in with the Western Conference, it’s time for the Bucks to look in their own backyard. Comebacks, upsets, and tougher-than-expected series defined the first round. But what does this all mean for Milwaukee? Let’s dive in.

Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic

For two weeks, the NBA time-travelled back to the early 2000s: total scores struggling to surpass 90, field goal percentages in the 30s, and offensive ratings in-line with tanking teams. To put it blankly, these teams struggled to put the ball in the hoop. Orlando stole Game 1 on the road, then won both at home to take a commanding 3-1 lead over Detroit and looked primed to become just the seventh eight-seed to beat a one-seed. But after the Pistons prevailed in a Game 5 showdown where Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero put up 45 points apiece, the Magic seized up. And when they turned a 22-point half time lead in Game 6 into a 14-point loss, the series was all but over.

Shot creation is what matters. The Pistons nearly lost to an eight-seed that shot less than 40% for the series thanks to its roster construction, one that relies almost entirely on Cunningham to create looks. It took its toll too, with Cunningham totalling a staggering 41 turnovers (to just 50 assists). The Bucks will have Ryan Rollins back next season, and Ousmane Dieng can do some secondary playmaking, but with a huge question mark surrounding Giannis’ future with the team—and a smaller one with Kevin Porter Jr.’s—the Bucks have a lot of work to do to ensure they have enough legitimate creators. Heck, even with Giannis and KPJ there’s work to do, as this season proved.

Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers

Joe Mazzulla said it best: “What changed in this series was Joel Embiid came back and they’re a completely different team.” Yes, Joel Embiid, notorious for playoff letdowns, flipped this series on its head. After getting routed in his Game 4 return, when they clearly struggled to reintegrate him into their play, the 76ers won three in a row to snatch the series and end the Celtics’ Cinderella season. Embiid had 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in the clincher, while running mate Tyrese Maxey put up 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. It was just the third time the 76ers have beaten the Celtics in their nine Game 7 matchups—and the first time Embiid has won a Game 7 matchup (previously 0-3).

This series speaks three truths. One, it reaffirms that redemption isn’t just solely for the movies. For Milwaukee, think Myles Turner. After an underwhelming season that was arguably his worst as a pro, with a new coach and system—one that might actually play to his strengths—Turner has a legitimate shot at reminding the world how much of a real difference-maker he can be. It’s not all on coaching and system, though, Turner needs to be better. Flat out.

Two, regular season depth—and trust—isn’t the same as playoff depth (and trust). Especially when it comes to Game 7s. Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, Hugo Gonzalez, Ron Harper Jr., and Jordan Walsh—regulars all season long (save, perhaps, Harper)—combined for just 53 minutes of action and 0/12 from the field. Nikola Vucevic, who the Celtics acquired in exchange for Anfernee Simons, was a DNP-CD. The Bucks then, must be particularly mindful how they assess their own regular season minute-eaters and not overvalue their play, especially in a losing season. This goes for Cormac Ryan, Pete Nance, Jericho Sims, and even Ousmane Dieng.

Three, over-rely on the long ball at your own peril. The Celtics ranked fourth in the league during the regular season, taking 46.7% of their shots from three. In the playoffs, they upped this to a league-leading 52.5%. However, their accuracy regressed, dropping from 36.7% to 33.7%, and in Game 7 a whopping 49 of their 93 shots came from long range, yet they hit just 13 of them (26.5%) as they lost by nine. So, once again, shot creation matters. The Bucks need shooters, yes, but they don’t need one-dimensional ones (if we didn’t already know).

New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

After Atlanta went up 2-1—with each win coming by just one point—New York’s depth of talent finally shone through, smacking Atlanta about over the next three games (including a winning margin of 51 in Game 6). The Hawks were relying on the 34-year-old CJ McCollum as their main source of offence, which was only ever going to work for so long, while Jalen Johnson was a huge disappointment on both ends. Crucially, the Knicks also switched KAT’s matchup after Game 3, putting him back on Okongwu instead of getting cute with it and trying to hide him on non-shooting wings like Dyson Daniels or Jonathan Kuminga, which freed up guys like Josh Hart to have more of an impact as on-ball defenders.

I think this one is simple: you can win with smoke and mirrors in the regular season, but you need bona fide stars to win in the playoffs. Atlanta’s post-deadline resurgence was a nice story, but it should be mentioned that they had a long run of cupcake games down the home stretch. And don’t get me wrong, the Hawks played a solid brand of basketball on both ends, but once they ran into a team with legit, proven contributors in the postseason, it was over. They still have a ways to go.

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors

After lookung uncompeteteive in Games 1 and 2, the Raptors found their identity (and it was classic Raptors): a big, athletic, imposing team that will suffocate you. The home team won every game in the series, which not many people predicted. Although Toronto’s offence sputtered in certain games, the defence never waivered (well, until the second half of Game 7, when they lost hold of the rope).

From a Cavs POV, I think it says a lot about team-building. I really like Cleveland’s team—they have skilled, unselfish role players and are deep in almost every position—but their stars, Mitchell and Harden, needed to lead the dance, which, by and large, they did not. Both players looked completely flummoxed by the Raptors’ defence, which pressured them relentlessly in the halfcourt and fullcourt, leading to a high turnover rate. I think what matters here is that finding an identity is the first step to becoming good; the Raptors know what they hang their hat on, and crucially, what they don’t. Although a few bad contracts may limit Toronto’s flexibility somewhat, they seem ripe for improvement if they can get better offensively. Under Taylor Jenkins, the Bucks’ first step will be finding that identity—with or without Giannis.

Do you agree with our assessments, or is there something we missed? Add your two cents in the comments.