Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

If a 73-win team can fail to win the title, clearly there is no unbeatable team in basketball. Granted, results in the NBA are easier to portend than in other sports. But the reason fans will watch every playoff series is, subconsciously at least, they believe the underdog has an unobstructed shot. And as Maryland Baltimore County proved, even supposed cakewalks can be uncertain. However, most experts already are booking Boston flights in June. Meanwhile, the Bucks can’t help but think: “hey, what about us?” Considering Milwaukee took the Celtics to seven games last year, with two losses undecided late, it’s worth considering the top ten reasons the Bucks could actually knock off Boston next spring. Think it can’t happen? While prices may be higher in Milwaukee now, it would be foolish to sell the east’s promising risers short.

10. Ignore Series Score

Phil Jackson emphasized that success is a process, not destination. In addition to being a popular hashtag, it’s important advice for the Bucks next offseason. As cliché as it is, each game must come with a “1-0” mentality, and Milwaukee must not get distracted by leads and deficits. And the Bucks may have actually focused more on this truism than Boston last postseason. Boston practically conceded game three 116-92, giving Milwaukee confidence. And while the Bucks hopefully don’t fall behind 0-3, Marcus Morris indicated Boston was a bit too absorbed in the size of its lead later:

9. Balanced Scoring

Key Milwaukee marketing focused on KEG: Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. And those three players certainly whip up deserved fan enthusiasm:

Bucks on a 10-0 run, leading by 7 after being down 20 points just after halftime. The #KEG has indeed been tapped again! #BANGO #MilwaukeeBucks — Tommy Noble (@daymanAHH23) December 29, 2017

I didn’t know I could love three men as much as I love Khris, Eric, and Giannis right now #Bucks #KEG — Ken from Milwaukee (@Curly_E) December 20, 2017

But just as amusement parks boast more than just the big coasters, the Bucks have a lot more to offer. Those three accounted for 62.8% of the team’s points against Boston– not sustainable for a long run. Malcolm Brogdon (+/- of -4 for the series), Thon Maker (+6.5 but only averaged 21.6 minutes per game) and Brook Lopez can help give the Deer some more antler points (and on-court points too).

8. Own Last Five Minutes

As mentioned earlier, the Bucks needed just a few more plays to steal another game. While Milwaukee did close out game four admirably, Boston made just enough effort in game five to take the decisive lead. Also, Giannis’s frustration and sixth foul in game one put his team in an early hole. The average margin of victory for the Celtics was just .6 points a game last April, so staying poised in intense finishes could be the difference.

7. Authenticity

Sadly many athletes can seem like millionaire mercenaries today, with many holding out for more. But the Bucks have established the feeling of a family committed to each other and the city of Milwaukee. Khris Middleton went so far as to call himself a proud brother to Giannis:

Giannis has repeatedly stated his desire to play his entire career in Milwaukee. Many fans worry, however, that lack of postseason success will deter that desire. What a better way to resolve this concern than by beating the conference’s top team?

6. Make an Early Statement

Although in a losing effort, Middleton very quickly notified Boston that the Bucks would not be swatted away. His impressive marksmanship started the series with a loud swoosh:

Wisconsin fans may also remember David Gilreath’s opening touchdown return against Ohio State that immediately established Badger momentum. Clearly, beginnings have importance in big upsets. Many top seeds swagger into a series expecting easy wins, so swiping game one, especially with an iconic play, could wipe away grins in literally seconds.

5. Protect Home Court

Home court may not mean what it used to, but it meant a lot to the Celtics, who were 10-1 at home this spring but 1-7 away from the Garden. The plan for success for the Bucks is quite simple then: win all three at the Forum and one in Boston. Beyond win-loss record, the playoff energy was palpable in the Bradley Center in April. And judging by the turnout for the Forum’s opening Eagles show, the environment will be even more intimidating next time:

Sold Out Grand Opening Show 🙌 pic.twitter.com/hierMSEoBI — Fiserv Forum (@FiservForum) September 15, 2018

4. Take Regular Season Seriously

Sometimes coaches will give a vanilla look to the other team when they think a game is unimportant. This worked against the Bucks last year when they seemed disinterested in the Philadelphia finale and quickly fell behind Boston 0-2. With just three games against Boston next season, Milwaukee must use every game as an opportunity to learn and adjust. A long overdue climb up to fourth would allow the Bucks to overcome their first round burden and better condition to the postseason grind. Playing the Celtics in the second round makes for a more plausible winning scenario than being stuck as eighth again.

3. Mike Budenholzer

Firing Jason Kidd put Joe Prunty in a tough situation this spring. He clearly had a lot of talent on court, but couldn’t figure out how to best utilize it. But former coach of the year Mike Budenholzer brings experience and respect. Giannis spoke with him before the hiring and expressed approval:

Since Giannis was rather upset with the handling of Kidd’s exit, it was important to establish a rapport with the new coach. And while Brad Stevens is routinely called a wonder-kid, he isn’t perfect. The Celtics often seemed rather lazy in road playoff losses and razor-thin clipboard advantages can be erased by an equally capable opponent.

2. Having “Bucks Against World” Mentality

Similar to point 7, Milwaukee would surely get less media coverage in a showdown against Boston. This can be either an advantage or a disadvantage. Before the story got stale the Warriors were seemingly every fan’s favorite team. But the Bucks refused to blink in the truck’s headlights and overwhelmed a fatigued 24-0 team. Last year, Philadelphia got a bit too caught up in the pride of the process and couldn’t back up their boasts. In a playoff rematch, Milwaukee must avoid waking a sleeping giant with trash talk (West Virginia just made Kentucky needlessly mad before a blowout loss). Hard as it is, the Bucks must bore fans with typical sports-talk about respecting the opponent. Inside the locker room though? You bet Giannis will use any slight as an important edge. Which brings up the top reason the Bucks can upset the Celtics:

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo

With the brilliant chance taken on the uncertain Greek Freak, Milwaukee has established itself as genuine playoff contenders. There’s no way around it: to realize their potential, Giannis must play his best. With the Celtics attempting to close out the Bucks in game six, he elevated his play and denied the team who wanted it less:

Often, it has been tempting for Giannis to do too much, but experience brings more understanding of team dynamics. And besides, often the best player benefits from seizing control in the playoffs. How many times did LeBron single-handedly dominate a playoff opponent for the Heat or Cavs? With Bron now out west, there’s room for a new champion in the east. But not Boston. If all ten stars align in a basketball constellation of dominance, it can be the Bucks who write an underappreciated basketball town’s name in the ledger of champions who just never could…until they inevitably did.

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