How’d they do in group play? 4-0, plus-50 point differential.
Did they win a tough group? Sort of! They went undefeated (as you can see, unless you scrolled right past the previous question to read this) in the group, and secured the victory on the last night of group play when they beat the Detroit Pistons. This group should have been tougher with Indiana and Miami in it. I also think this Toronto team is better than its record.
Is this meaningful for them? It needs to be, and I think it is. The Bucks went to Vegas last year before getting hammered by the Pacers. Now, the Bucks are the only team to make it to Vegas again. Doc Rivers needs to get this team to a championship level by April, so extracting any extra competitive fire to harness in something like the NBA Cup could have a very good effect focusing them.
How’d they make it to Vegas? The Bucks nearly lost to an Orlando Magic team that was missing its two best players, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. But Damian Lillard flashed that Dame Time ability, and Giannis Antetokounmpo came up with some massive plays to secure the 114-109 victory. Khris Middleton had some great passing, and Bobby Portis was a good scorer, both off the bench.
