In a macro view, the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense wasn’t the primary issue following their 112-90 Game 1 loss to the Boston Celtics. Yes, the numbers at the end of the game (a 112 defensive rating and allowing Boston to score 117.8 points per 100 possessions) aren’t pretty. However, they played well in the first half before allowing their offensive woes to directly lead to multiple ugly breakdowns in the second.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer made some changes to his pick-and-roll defense in the game and didn’t drop Brook Lopez nearly as far as he typically does.