"You should never take anything for granted": Mike Budenholzer plays down Milwaukee Bucks being the first team to reach the playoffs
The Milwaukee Bucks officially became the first team to clinch a playoff spot on Tuesday night after defeating the Phoenix Suns. However, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer isn't jumping up and down just yet. But that doesn't mean Budenholzer isn't happy about his team's most recent accomplishment.
Coach Mike acknowledges that securing a spot in the NBA Playoffs is no easy feat. Teams in the league need to stay consistently solid throughout the season to even make a postseason run. This is why Budenholzer isn't expressing ecstatic emotions, which he mentioned that he needs to work on given that the Milwaukee Bucks have been nothing short of amazing this year.
"Making the playoffs in this league is hard," Budenholzer said. "You should never take anything for granted. ... Sometimes I forget about celebrating."
"Making the playoffs in this league is hard. You should never take anything for granted. ... Sometimes I forget about celebrating."
Hear from #Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer after Milwaukee's playoff-clinching victory in Phoenix. #FearTheDeer https://t.co/Sy2w0nuUr9
Can the Milwaukee Bucks win another title this year?
Now that the Milwaukee Bucks are officially the first NBA team to clinch a playoff spot, everybody is talking about how they could win another title this season. Honestly, this puts a lot of pressure on the Bucks. But that doesn't mean they haven't been in this situation before.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and a returning Khris Middleton on their side, winning the title isn't out of the question. Antetokounmpo, as usual, is putting up MVP numbers by averaging 31.5 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. This year also happens to be Giannis' best scoring season yet, which could be a huge difference-maker in the postseason.
Then there's Jrue Holiday, who returned to his All-Star form this season. Holiday is averaging 19.5 points, 7.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He and Giannis have been carrying the load for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially during Khris Middleton's absence due to a knee injury.
Now that Middleton is back, he could end up forming an unstoppable trio with Antetokounmpo and Holiday come the postseason. Ever since Khris came back from his injury, he's been trying to get his rhythm back, especially since he has a bit of court rust. Middleton is averaging 15.7 points, 4.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game since returning in late January.
While court rust might seem like an issue, Khris Middleton is still very much capable of providing the Bucks with elite performances. On Monday, Middleton flirted with a double-double with an impressive 31 points, 9 assists, and 3 rebounds. If he can bring that same energy come the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Milwaukee will surely be a tougher team to beat in the postseason.