Bucks Have +16 Net Rating With Middleton, Giannis, Lillard, Lopez On Floor Together

[RealGM Wiretap]

The Milwaukee Bucks have had several stops and starts this season as they incorporate Damian Lillard into their core. One element of the integration that has been challenging has been the health of Khris Middleton. 

When the Bucks have Lillard, Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez on the floor together, they are outscoring opponents by 16 points per 100 possessions.

Middleton typically operates as a second side option, but they are also beginning to combine him with Lillard and Antetokounmpo in the same actions.

The Bucks are 13-8 in their past 21 games and are tied for 11th in offense and sixth in defense during that stretch. 

Via Zach Lowe/ESPN

[bluerap23]

6th in Defence over the last 21 games is a good sign, but something still feels broken with this team.

[scrabbarista]

Wish the article gave the sample size in minutes.

[Chessboxer]

6th in Defence over the last 21 games is a good sign, but something still feels broken with this team.

Agreed something just feels off. There is no consistency in effort, lineups, roles etc. I might take them another season including this playoff run to get the chemistry right.

[haste10176]

6th in Defence over the last 21 games is a good sign, but something still feels broken with this team.

Agreed something just feels off. There is no consistency in effort, lineups, roles etc. I might take them another season including this playoff run to get the chemistry right.

Well Middleton is not as good Lillard is not as good as he used to be and your running beasley as a starter a very streaky average shooter and asking him to defend the opposition best gaurd.. You have to hope middleton and lillard somehow revert to years past form which frankly is not happening.. They are not going anywhere..

[SpreeS]

When Curry/Wiggs/Green/Kumunga on the floor they have +14.5 nrtg, but it won’t help so whats the point?

[CharityStripe34]

6th in Defence over the last 21 games is a good sign, but something still feels broken with this team.

Agreed something just feels off. There is no consistency in effort, lineups, roles etc. I might take them another season including this playoff run to get the chemistry right.

With the new coaching staff they've been trying to work on their weaknesses. Half-court sets. They've played at a slower pace and it's resulted in a mixed bag. Overall, it's an older, veteran team that's struggling to maintain consistency. And, yes, Dame, Middleton and Lopez are older and not quite as good as they once were.

Their top two lineups with Dame/Beasley/Giannis/Lopez with either Middleton or even Crowder (second most used) are both super-elite but their bench has been largely a disaster.