Milwaukee’s hyper-aggressive defensive scheme, at its best, adds stress and risk to every action an opposing offense runs. At its worst, it’s an invitation for self owns.
Toronto experienced both shades of the Bucks’ defense in last year’s playoffs. Games 1 and 3 — and the agonizing final 18 minutes of the deciding Game 6 — showcased how disruptive Jason Kidd’s defense can be when A) his players are making well-time rotations in recovery after springing traps, and B) opposing ball-handlers are scared shitless of the giant Condors flying their way.
Norman Powell’s entry into the starting five in Game 4 was something of a check mate move by Dwane Casey.