They had the best record in the regular season and were the only NBA team to win 60 games. They had a top two MVP candidate, the likely winner of the award at that. They had one of the league's top defenses. They were chosen by many to represent the Eastern Conference in what would have been their first NBA Finals appearance since 1971. They were two games away from doing so, winning both Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals on their home floor.
Then, they ran into a buzz saw.
Defensive adjustments, role players finally stepping up, and a superstar that would not be denied all played a role in preventing the Bucks from getting to the ultimate stage. After a great regular season and a great postseason - up until Game 3 of this series - the Bucks' bid came to a screeching halt last night.
So, where do they go from here?
First off, they should use this loss, as i am sure they will, as a learning experience. The Bucks have a good mix of veterans and youth, and are lead by a young superstar. But the key word there is young. Giannis Antetokounmp is just 25 years old. It's one of the things that sports fans and observers seem to forget about certain guys - they anoint before that particular player has accomplished the ultimate goal. The Greek Freak, who averaged 27 / 12/ 6 during the regular season, is not a polished product. This was proven by the Raptors' contentment to give him open jump shots, wanting to prevent him at all costs from driving to the basket, where he becomes unstoppable.
What Antetokounmpo can learn from this is that, as cliche as it sounds, before you succeed, you must fail. It is the realization that no matter how good i am, there are things i can improve on to become an even better. It has been said time and time again, and it is true: that if he develops a consistent outside shot, he will become indefensible.
Kobe Bryant had his airballs against the Utah Jazz. Michael Jordan had the Celtics and the Bad Boy Pistons. LeBron James had Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Before a superstar can get to a certain level, they must learn the pain of failure, the feeling of dejection. They must be given fuel to add to the fire.
Antetokounmpo will get there. He just needed this experience first.
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