Before the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Milwaukee Bucks, we went Talking to the Enemy. What can we learn about Cavs Vs Bucks from Adam McGee of Behind the Buck Pass?
He gives us great answers to our questions for Cavs Vs Bucks:
1 – The Bucks are only 5 – 6 but beat the Cavs a few days ago, what has led them to struggle early in the season?
There have been a number factors. The loss of veteran influence from the departure of players like Zaza Pachulia and Jared Dudley is one key cause, and another is trying to mesh in a number of new faces, particularly trying to adjust the style of play to accommodate Greg Monroe‘s post-play and Giannis’ new offensive aggression.
That has led to some communication lapses and some real struggles defensively. Considering that much of the team’s success last year could be attributed to their number two ranked defense, it’s not a surprise that they’ve been hit and miss when they haven’t looked convincing on that end.
Most of all though, the Bucks just need a clean bill of health. Jabari Parker, Michael Carter-Williams, John Henson and O.J. Mayo have all missed spells of varying length through injury so far, and unlike Cleveland, Milwaukee don’t have a LeBron James to cover over those key cracks in the rotation. With some sustained good health, they can work on their issues.
2 – The biggest concern we thought the Bucks would have is outside shooting/spacing, is that still a concern or has Middleton and Bayless been enough?
Still a concern. I don’t think any Bucks fan feels like what Bayless has been doing is sustainable, even with the motivation of a contract year. As for Middleton, he’s actually struggled with his shot and is currently shooting less than 40 percent from the field. His mid-range twos are just as important to spreading the floor for Milwaukee as his deep shots.
The Bucks added other players who can shoot too. Greivis Vasquez started painfully slow but seems to be figuring it out again now. Rookie Rashad Vaughn is a deadeye shooter, although Kidd isn’t going to be frivolous with his playing time, and veteran Chris Copeland has no fear in pulling the trigger either.
The bigger issue is the sacrifices the team has made for shooting. With the exception of Middleton, most of those guys are pretty porous defensively. The problem right now is that when they try to inject shooting, it’s hurting them much more in other areas and that’s proving costly. Unfortunately it’s not as simple as many had hoped, shooting won’t solve all the team’s woes.
3 – What are Bucks fans feelings about MCW? The Former Rookie of the Year seems limited but has some intriguing measurables that tend to excite fans.
Mixed would be the kindest way of putting it. There is no player more divisive on the roster right now than Michael Carter-Williams. There are so many things that he does well, but he’s certainly having a hard time putting it together right now.
Personally, I feel in terms of skill and body type that he’s the perfect fit for this team. He’s an aggressive driver, a creative passer, a strong rebounder on a team that sorely lacks in that department, and a top-class defender. When it’s broken down like that, you start to wonder what the problem is.
Most people’s gut reaction is to reach for spacing again, but it’s not that. MCW still plays with the attitude of the forceful, go-to-guy he had to be in Philadelphia. If he could adjust his mentality to take more of a back seat, it feels like he could actually contribute more by trying to do less. Not every team needs a star point guard, and the Bucks have plenty of ball-handlers across their squad.
4 – What did the Cavs do to hurt the Bucks last game and how will the Bucks counter?
The Cavs had a noticeable edge in transition, and that was something that meant a game that should have been out of reach much earlier was close enough for the Bucks to find themselves dragged into overtime periods at the end.
It’s important that the Bucks get a handle on this, as with the weapons that Cleveland has you can give up points in a hurry in transition. Milwaukee has been allowing opponents to build up big runs, but rarely do they put the foot down and kill a game off themselves. For that reason transition will be vital on both ends of the floor.
Rebounds are the other big key. The Bucks are used to getting crushed in that department every night, but they somehow held it close in Saturday’s game. That’s one surefire way that the Cavs should look to turn things around this time out, and expect it to be a continued point of emphasis for Milwaukee.
5- What did the Bucks do to hurt the Cavs last game and how could the Cavs counter?
The Bucks swarmed. This was one of their best defensive games of the season as they applied heavy pressure and reaped the rewards. Cleveland were forced into 20 turnovers which isn’t a good look when there are only 24 assists to combat them.
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On top of that, key players delivered. Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greg Monroe stepped up with big time double-doubles, Jabari Parker looked easily the best that he’s been since his return from his ACL injury, while even Michael Carter-Williams was efficient and effective with his contributions across the floor.
It took a lot to go right for the Bucks to win that game, but it did, and now Milwaukee will be looking for things to click into place again.
What do you expect in Cavs Vs Bucks?