Losing Damian Lillard is undoubtedly a major setback for the Milwaukee Bucks, but it also presents the team with a great opportunity to reassess their tactics and basketball philosophy. Facing this challenge, general manager Jon Horst must devise a new plan for the current roster, aiming to continue the quest for victory in the upcoming season.
In the past season, the Bucks boasted one of the highest three-point shooting percentages in the league, yet their shot attempts ranked only 18th. If the Bucks can boost their three-point shooting frequency in the future, taking cues from successful teams like the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, they might unlock new tactical possibilities. Such high-frequency three-point attempts can effectively shift the game’s momentum, creating a rapidly changing landscape and helping the team secure more victories.
However, the frequent three-point attempts inevitably come at the cost of inconsistent shooting percentages. Therefore, if the Bucks want to change their offensive strategy, they need to ensure that every shot creates high-quality opportunities. The Golden State Warriors, with the highest assist rate in the league this season, showcase an inspiring model thanks to offensive powerhouse Stephen Curry. Giannis Antetokounmpo also possesses the ability to create open looks, suggesting that the Bucks have the potential to develop a similar offensive strategy to boost their overall scoring energy.
With Lillard’s absence, the Bucks must create change in every game. Antetokounmpo’s scoring largely hinges on his inside game, and it remains uncertain whether this will consistently lead to victories. The Bucks could address their firepower shortage by increasing their three-point attempts, reducing reliance on a single player, and establishing a more balanced offensive strategy.
The key lies in Antetokounmpo fully embracing the role of Point guard. Beyond pursuing a high shooting percentage for himself, he also needs to create high-quality three-point shooting opportunities for his teammates. He can’t shoulder the offensive creation on his own; he must assist other ball handlers in breaking through defenses and leverage a multitude of pick-and-roll tactics to activate the scoring options for sharpshooters.
In stark contrast to their first-round playoff opponents, the Indiana Pacers, who are known for their fluid passing and assists, the Milwaukee Bucks show relative weakness in this area, with the Pacers ranking high in the league for assists. If Lillard is sidelined, the Bucks might want to consider shifting to a more cohesive style of play that emphasizes ball movement to boost their overall offensive efficiency.
The rapid transmission and pressure-relieving abilities of the fast-paced play style have allowed them to consistently reach the Eastern Conference Finals, which is no coincidence. This approach not only demonstrates tactical intent, but also the operation of Haliburton, the new point guard, makes the overall offense hard to defend. Whether the Bucks can draw inspiration from this and apply it in future seasons will become a focal point of discussion.
