
NBA - Bucks clearly top of the class in the East
By Taha Qureshi
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 09 Dec 2019

MILWAUKEE -- With slightly over one-fourth of the 2019-20 NBA already in the history books, the Milwaukee Bucks have made a strong case as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
Though tied with the equally-mighty Los Angeles Lakers for the best overall record, the Bucks' 20-3 won-lost mark record is a full three games better than the 16-5 Boston Celtics who are at second place while the resurgent 16-6 Miami Heat are in third place.
Winners of 13 straight, the Bucks got their stiffest challenge yet when the L.A. Clippers came to the Fiserv Forum in downtown Milmaukee armed with dangerous intentions.
Led by All-Stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who broke Bucks fans hearts last season by leading the Toronto Raptors past Milwaukee in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, the Clippers had a robust record of 16-6 and were on a two-game winning streak coming in, having beaten the Washington Wizards and the Portland Trail Blazers by an average of 22.5 points.
With their streak on the line, the Bucks handled what the Clippers brought to the floor, jumping to a quick 30-15 first quarter start before effectively putting the contest away with a 35-19 third quarter run.
And here's why the Bucks are legitimate title contenders.
They are No.1 in the NBA in points scored per game at 121 per and their defensive rating on 101.6 is also the best in the league.
"I believe in myself more. I think my teammates believe in me even more," the Greek Freak told reporters post-game after their early success.
He also reiterated the desire to improve on his already impressive arsenal.
"Obviously, yes, I'm a little more confident with my jump shot."
It was like telling the rest of the NBA --- "Watch out."
Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounpo is the undisputed leader of this band, averaging 30.8 points, 13.1 rebounds and 5.4 assists in 23 outings.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Taha Qureshi.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Apolinar, Santisima to fight on June 19 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Canoy still waiting for his US visa for June 20 fight against Collazo
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026"Hand of Stone" Roberto Durán celebrates 75th birthday
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Sy-Tancontian excited on Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Jean Henri Lhuillier Backs RP Blu Girls' Intensive Japan Training Camp Ahead of Women's Softball World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 17 Jun 2026Digos 2 Malita 70km Ultramarathon on June 20
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 17 Jun 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 17 JUNE 2026: Bam Stops Vargas in 6; Wins by Michel Soro, Wilkens Mathieu, Elif Nur Turhan, Nataly Delgado and Abraham Perez
By Eric Armit, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Undefeated world champion Ataev faces experienced Venezuelan puncher Uzcátegui at IBA PRO 19
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Full Fight Card Set for MF Pro’s “Pugilist Revolution” June 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach
Tue, 16 Jun 2026Campbell son of Ricky Hatton confirms ring return
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Deaño to fight for ABF super feather title
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Former champ Andy Ruiz could return against Huggie Fury in 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 16 Jun 2026Mexican legend Jackie Nava inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Mon, 15 Jun 2026Ronnie Alvarez Dominates Filip Stankovic, Scores Seventh-Round TKO at Desert Diamond Arena
Sun, 14 Jun 2026THE CROWNING OF BAM: Rodriguez Overcomes Early Storm to Detonate Vargas in Six, Eyes Inoue Super-Fight
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 14 Jun 2026