Have the New Bucks Arrived? Plus, More Takeaways From the In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals. | Group Chat
Dec 6, 2023
auto_awesome
Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre provide takeaways from the in-season tournament quarterfinals. They discuss the offensive potential of the Milwaukee Bucks, the need for improvement in defensive abilities, and the upcoming match between the Bucks and Pacers.
The Milwaukee Bucks are showcasing a more dynamic and balanced offense, with improved three-point shooting and potential in the Giannis-Holiday pick-and-roll duo.
The New York Knicks are in a state of mediocrity, lacking star power and hope for significant improvement without clear changes and addressing limitations in the offseason.
The Western Conference semi-finals of the in-season tournament will feature an exciting matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans, both showcasing their talent and potential.
Deep dives
The Bucks' evolving offense and room for growth
The Milwaukee Bucks are showing signs of a more dynamic and balanced offense. While they still have room to grow, their recent performances have showcased their offensive potential. The team has been shooting well from three-point range, with role players like AJ Green and Marchon Boatright providing additional scoring options. The partnership between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday as a pick-and-roll duo is still developing, but has the potential to be a deadly weapon for the team. Additionally, the Bucks' ability to get to the free-throw line consistently adds another dimension to their offense.
The Knicks' struggles with mediocrity
The New York Knicks find themselves in a state of mediocrity. While they have been a solid team this season, they lack the star power and the hope for significant improvement that other teams possess. There are bouts of frustration within the team, with players like Quentin Grimes expressing discontent over their roles. With no clear superstar on the horizon, the Knicks may need to wait until the offseason to make significant changes and address their limitations.
The Western Conference semi-finals
In the Western Conference semi-finals of the in-season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Both teams have shown strong performances in the knockout format, with the Lakers relying on LeBron James' leadership and the Pelicans impressing with a complete team effort. The tournament has provided an opportunity for these teams to showcase their talent and potential against established contenders, making for an exciting matchup.
Bucks' offensive improvement with passing and cutting
The podcast highlights the Bucks' improvement in their passing and cutting game. Giannis and Brook Lopez have been instrumental in not only creating scoring opportunities but also looking for open shooters and each other on the court. This has been particularly beneficial in the pick and roll, with Giannis cutting to the rim and Brook rolling effectively. The hosts discuss the advantages of this playing style and its potential impact on the team's success.
Concerns about Giannis' defense and the importance of a balanced team
The podcast addresses concerns about Giannis' defense and the team's reliance on him in that aspect. While Giannis has traditionally been a strong rim protector, there are observations that his defensive performance has not been at the same level this season. The hosts emphasize the need for Giannis to improve in terms of closing off the paint, deterring shots, and working with Brook Lopez to strengthen the team's defense. Additionally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of balancing offense and defense, suggesting that if the Bucks can maintain their offensive firepower while having a solid defense, they can be a formidable team in the regular season and playoffs.
Justin, Rob, and Wos provide their takeaways for each team after the in-season tournament quarterfinals (2:13). Then they preview the semifinal matchups between the Pelicans and Lakers and Pacers and Bucks (49:27).
The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.
Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre