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:
Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Boxing—A Spectacle of Masses and Millennial Stages
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Golden Boy Promotions Vs Virgil Ortiz Jr going to arbitration?
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 03 Mar 2026Boxlab Promotions Signs Undefeated Nicaraguan Knockout Artist Jordan “La Cobrita” Orozco
Tue, 03 Mar 2026STACKED MARCH 14 UNDERCARD SHOWCASES GOLDEN BOY’S NEXT GENERATION OF CHAMPIONS
Tue, 03 Mar 2026The Perfect Boxing Prospect 12-0 Marco Romero
Tue, 03 Mar 2026Quietly formidable boxers Kristian Prenga & Pyrce Taylor continue Their assault on the heavyweight division
Tue, 03 Mar 2026“Prince” Albert Pagara Flies to Perth for WBC Australasia Title Fight
By Carlos Costa, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Ryan Daye vows a dominant standout performance in WBC title Clash March 13 in Perth Thunderdome 53
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Moncal, Mag-aso rule Legacy Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lavant Brownlee Earns Gold, Lorenzo Patricio Earns Silver at Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Influencer Brooklyn Barwick Disputes hometown decision for NBA Americas Featherweight title
Mon, 02 Mar 2026HALL OF FAMER WINKY WRIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN 2026 HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND FESTIVITIES
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Reyes Siblings New Champions in US chess tourney
Mon, 02 Mar 2026Lorenzo Parra Delivers Stunning Second-Round Knockout at Sold-Out Manny Pacquiao Promotions Event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y.
Sun, 01 Mar 2026Almacen Bros Score Knockout Wins in Exciting Brico Santig Show in Thailand Live on TrillerTV
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 01 Mar 2026