Loose Talk: The Editors’ Take

This past Saturday, the Milwaukee Bucks made headlines when they ended the Golden State Warriors’ 24-game win streak.The Milwaukee Bucks are only two seasons removed from a league-worst of 15 wins. In recent years, they have moved through a carousel of potential franchise cornerstones, and finally capitalized on their young talent, making a surprise playoff appearance last season despite the ACL tear of potential star and #2 pick, Jabari Parker. Before the 2015-2016 season, they continued to retool, trading for ROY Michael Carter-Williams and signing Pistons’ big Greg Monroe. They hoped that their defensive identity and revitalized offense would help build on last season’s success.For the Bucks, the 2015-2016 season has given them the rise of the beloved “Greek Freak,” Giannis Atentoukoumpo, who has set a career high in points and used his freak athleticism to attack the basket relentlessly, and the return of Jabari Parker, who has looked comfortable on his surgically mended knee. However, the start to their season has been far from what they imagined. Coming into the Golden State game, the Bucks had a pitiful 9-15 record, making them tenth in the East. Their defense has not performed as advertised and their offense, overly dependent upon post-up situations, has unsurprisingly faltered. Their early season struggles have already prompted head coach Jason Kidd to bench Parker and Carter-Williams.The Warriors rose to prominence about three years ago. Behind the otherworldly shooting of the backcourt tandem dubbed the “Splash Brothers,” the Warriors advanced into the 2013 playoffs for the first time in 6 years and the second in 19 years. Although that particular foray into the postseason ended in the second round, that season sparked a trend that saw the team improve with each year, culminating in a historic 2014-2015 season. They posted the fifth best record in NBA history, boasting a 67-15 record and beating teams by an average of over ten points. With season averages of 23.8 points per game and 7.7 assists, Stephen Curry overcame his early career ankle injuries and was integral to the team’s success, winning the MVP title and breaking his own three-point record in the process. What’s more, Golden State stormed into the postseason and defeated the Lebron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to capture their first title in 40 years.For Golden State, the new season has wrought fortunes opposite to their opponents. Fresh off of a world championship, the Warriors made minimal changes to their roster. Nonetheless, analysts predicted that Golden State would do as well as they did the previous year and yet, the team has still managed to obliterate expectations. They raced out to the best start in NBA history and were beating teams by historic margins. Once again, they won on the shoulders of Stephen Curry.Through his first three games he scored 118 points, is setting personal bests in points and PER(both north of 30) and is on pace to exceed his three-point record by over 100 triples. He is rightfully dominating early MVP talks, but the reigning MVP has also garnered consideration for the Most Improved Player Award. His leadership, along with the play of the likes of Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes, has made the Warriors the bane of the league.But despite their hot start, the streak took its toll on the champs. Their egalitarian ball movement, impenetrable defense, and molten hot shooting began to slip as they compiled wins. And injuries to key players such as Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes robbed the team of much of its perimeter defense and three-point shooting.The night before, Golden State suffered a scare in TD Garden against the Boston Celtics. Steph nearly had a triple double of points, assists and turnovers and Boston guard Isaiah Thomas had two opportunities to put the game away at the end of regulation and overtime. Luckily for the Warriors, neither shot connected and they were able to come away with their 24th and final win of the streak.Golden State came into the game tired and undermanned, coming off of back-to-back games and missing Harrison Barnes. Milwaukee took control early and did not let go. Golden State sustained poor three-point shooting (6-26) and a cold night from their MVP. The Bucks on the other hand enjoyed herculean efforts from both Greg Monroe, 28 points and 11 rebounds, and the Greek Freak, who posted the first triple double of his career. Their efforts were bolstered by role players Parker and Bayless, who had 19 and 18 points respectively. While Draymond Green chipped in 24 points, the poor play of Thompson and Bogut could not be negated.The game ended with a final score of 108-95, ending the third longest streak in NBA history.