Dark Horse Emerges Biggest Threat to Celtics’ Title Chances, Igniting Debate Among ESPN Analysts

Since the All-Star Break, the Milwaukee Bucks have played some very exceptional basketball. The Bucks are currently on a commanding 6x match-winning streak, triumphing over formidable opponents like the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Philadelphia 76ers. Nevertheless, their recent victory against the LA Clippers has garnered significant attention from all members of the league. Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the game with a final score of 113-106.

Damian Lillard delivered a captivating performance to the audience at Finserv Forum, accumulating a total of 41 points while spending 42 minutes on the court. In addition to Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks’ star Bobby Portis bucketed 28 points and 16 rebounds as from the bench. Doc Rivers has effectively reversed the downward trajectory of the Milwaukee Bucks, a team that had faced significant criticism as recently as the All-Star Break. Due to their current six-game winning run, the Bucks have surpassed the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings, leaving just the Boston Celtics ahead.

The Milwaukee Bucks’ current form has earned them the tag of being dark horses for the 2024 NBA title. Moreover, some ESPN analysts have even suggested that the Bucks are the only serious threat to the Boston Celtics in the East. During the latest episode of ESPN’s ‘Get Up’, host Mike Greenburg said, “By the time we get to the end of this regular season, you and I will be having conversations about how it is a two-horse race in the East. Milwaukee is every bit as dangerous in the East as the Celtics are. And they will prove it by the time we get to the middle of April.”

Despite a shaky start to the Doc Rivers era, the Milwaukee Bucks have picked up steam and seem ready to retake the NBA title. However, the lingering question is whether they can genuinely rival Boston’s dominance in the Eastern Conference.

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Are the Milwaukee Bucks legitimate title favorites?

Milwaukee Bucks fans had high hopes for the 2023-24 season, especially after the blockbuster acquisition of Damian Lillard in the offseason. However, for the major part of the season, the Bucks delivered unconvincing performances, which saw former HC, Adrian Griffin, being fired. The Bucks’ management subsequently appointed Doc Rivers as his replacement.

In his short spell as the head coach, Rivers has already endured several ups and downs. However, it seems like he may have found a formula that suits the Milwaukee Bucks. Very few teams can proudly say that they clinched a streak-extending match in the absence of their biggest star. Their six-game win streak has further enhanced their credibility as a legitimate title favorite. Bookmakers in Las Vegas have ranked Milwaukee with the fourth-best odds. Will the Milwaukee Bucks repeat their 2021 feat and lift the NBA trophy once again?

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