Milwaukee Bucks did not know who their first-round opponent was going to be throughout the final month of the season. It could have been New York, Atlanta, Boston, or Miami. Many Bucks fans did not want to play Miami. As you all recall, Miami was the team that knocked the Bucks out of the playoffs last year. Despite having some of the same players, this year is very different. Bucks fans that are concerned about playing Miami haven’t watched either team this season. These aren’t the same teams from the bubble. A lot has changed and that needs to be reinforced.

Jrue Holiday is a massive upgrade compared to Eric Bledsoe. Goran Dragic killed Milwaukee last year by knifing into the post. That’s not there anymore. Giannis Antetokounmpo added more to his arsenal of shots to avoid the wall and find shot opportunities against Bam Abedayo. They have P.J. Tucker and Bobby Portis who add grit and not afraid to chirp with anyone. Tucker gives the Bucks a great defender on Jimmy Butler and frees up Khris Middleton there. Miami also doesn’t have Jae Crowder and Kelly Olynk who both played huge roles in beating Milwaukee last season.

There will be a ton of hype around Miami being the team to knock Milwaukee out, but the Bucks have a mission and purpose to win an NBA Championship. This season that was the plan, now it’s up to Milwaukee to execute it.

Charlie.