Bucks Top Raptors in Game of NBA Unbeatens

The last two unbeaten teams in the NBA (both 6-0) got together in Milwaukee on October 29th as the Bucks took on the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks were without All-Universe forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was in concussion protocol; the Raptors were without shooting forward Kawhi Leonard, who is averaging 26.6 and 8 rebounds per game; he was given the night off to rest according to the team.

The Bucks showed they aren’t a one player team. Seven players scored in double figures as Milwaukee cruised to a 124-109 victory.

Milwaukee’s 7-0 start matches the franchise record set 47 years ago. The Bucks also tied a team record with 19 three point baskets. Last season, Milwaukee was 27th in the NBA averaging 8.8 three point baskets per game; through the first seven games of this season, the Bucks lead the league with 15.6 per game. Milwaukee is fourth in the NBA in points per game with 120. The Bucks are also playing defense, allowing 104.1 points per game, fourth fewest in the league; they lead the league in rebounds with 55.7 per game.

Milwaukee changed head coaches this season, hiring former Atlanta Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer. They also let former first round pick, and often injured forward Jabari Parker go (Parker signed with the Chicago Bulls), signed veteran free agent center Brook Lopez, and bought back forward Ersan Illyasova for his second tour with Milwaukee.

Last season, the Bucks were 44-38 and the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They took the Boston Celtics all the way to Game 7 before losing their 1st round playoff. With the Cleveland Cavaliers essentially out of the picture with the departure of LeBron James, the Celtics were picked by many as the favorite in the East. There’s a long way to go, but challengers like the Bucks will make it more difficult for the Celtics. And speaking of the Celtics, Milwaukee will put its unbeaten record on the line next in Boston on November 1st.