Spurs Defense: 106.1 (21) Bucks Defense: 88.9 (1) I know it's too early in the season and the Spurs' defense has been on a decline since last year but what's up with the Buck's defense?
Wow its still early but thats a very interesting observation. Haven't been watching either so I don't know what's going on.
Scott Skiles has his guys playing hard on defense, which still doesn't explain it because the defensive talent isn't there. They are ok defensively but they have played a few bricklaying teams.
Bogut looks to be an underrated defender at C, Michael Redd (terrible defender) has played only two games, Mbah a Moute is apparently a very good defender, and Scott Skiles is a very good defensive coach.
Could Jennings have a hand in here as well? He's pretty athletic and has really quick hands. Plus he seems to have picked up a thing or two playing overseas....
The Bucks are only averaging 90 points per game themselves, so some of it is probably coming from them slowing down the game. That's just a guess though, because I haven't seen them play.
Generally, I agree. Measuring defense by ppg allowed as the determining metric doesn't seem to make a lot of sense. But, in this case, the Bucks are tied for 2nd in opponent FG%, while the SPurs are 29th! Granted, digging a little deeper, the Bucks are only 20th in opponent 3 point FG%. Putting it all together, it looks like the Bucks are playing a slower game, and giving up more open 3 point looks in exchange for fewer good 2 point looks. At 3-2, I guess you could say its working so far.
The Spurs play a team defense concept that players don't learn overnight; it will take a better part of the season for it to resemble ANYTHING like it has in the past - and even then will not be what it once was. Duncan is not as quick on this rotations, and there is no Bowen. However, last night the Spurs scored 131 points in regulations without Parker or Duncan suited up; THAT'S different.
My first thought as well. Until I looked at their pace and efficiency stats. Milwaukee played at a higher pace(#11 vs #25 for SA) and better defensive efficiency(#1 vs #28 for SA). So in reality, SA is actually WORSE than their ppg allowed suggest, while Milwaukee's actually BETTER.
