The 1971-72 Lakers aren't worried about them making history just yet, but the 2022-23 Bucks own the most impressive winning streak of the season.
With a 139-117 victory over Orlando on Wednesday, Milwaukee pushed its streak to 16 games and surged into first place in the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks went through the entire month of February without dropping a game, winning by an average margin of 11.4 points.
"Whether it's a younger team or an older team that's been in the playoffs, you get everyone's best shot," Milwaukee forward Joe Ingles said after the team's most recent win. "I think we've been kind of taking everyone's best shot as this streak's gone on. We've found a way."
How have the Bucks been able to "find a way" 16 times in a row? There are three key factors to their success.
The first one should be obvious to even the most casual NBA fans...
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1. Giannis Antetokounmpo is an unstoppable force.
It's difficult not to place Antetokounmpo at the top of the "best player in the world" list. His performances over the last few weeks have only solidified his argument.
During the Bucks' streak, the two-time MVP has averaged 31.9 points, 12.0 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from beyond the arc. Those ridiculous numbers only look more impressive when you factor in Antetokounmpo's early exits from two February games because of injuries.
Giannis continues his MVP agenda.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 3, 2023
54 PTS | 19 REB | 2 AST | 54 FG% pic.twitter.com/IuCzZ4fPvT
"The Greek Freak" is bulldozing defenders in the paint, speeding past big men in transition and creating for others when coaches attempt to employ the "wall" strategy that slowed him down in previous seasons. Oh, and he is also likely to once again earn All-Defensive honors.
Antetokounmpo is currently on pace to be the first player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1965-66 to average a 31-12-5 line for an entire season. He appears to be at the peak of his powers as the most dominant two-way force in the league.
2. The Bucks' defense is suffocating opponents.
While he deserves a tremendous amount of credit for Milwaukee's success on the defensive end, Antetokounmpo is far from the only stopper.
Jrue Holiday and Jevon Carter constantly annoy ball handlers. There are multiple switchable wings on the roster. Brook Lopez seemingly contests every single shot attempt.
DENIED BY BROOK!! pic.twitter.com/C53aBBjUDv
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 26, 2023
Put all of the pieces together, and the Bucks own the NBA's top defensive rating at 109.1. Over the last 16 games, that mark is down to 105.8.
"We have to be the best defensive team — and if not the best, one of the best," Antetokounmpo said. "The year we won [the championship] and when we have been at our best is when we defend. If we try to trade baskets with them, this league is so talented. You can't trade baskets. We have to defend.
"We have people that can move their feet. We have people that can block shots. We have people that can take that individual pride and keep guys in front. ... Some days we're not going to score the ball. We gotta know our defense is always going to be there, that we can rely on it all the time. And sometimes, from that, we can build on offense."
3. The Bucks suddenly have quality chemistry and depth.
Milwaukee has been dealing with health issues all season long. Antetokounmpo, Holiday, Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and Joe Ingles have all sat out double-digit games. Khris Middleton has been the most notable absence, missing 42 games and starting in only seven.
The Bucks are meshing at the perfect time, though, and developing strong chemistry before a potentially deep playoff run.
Milwaukee's passing stats during the winning streak aren't dramatically different from their overall figures, but Mike Budenholzer's squad has compiled a few fun possessions that would make the 2013-14 Spurs smile. There is more confidence and decisiveness across the board.
Just check out this fun sequence against the Magic:
Ball movement is NICE. pic.twitter.com/9BApCJNY0B
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 2, 2023
"I think [ball movement] goes into having a good shooting night," Budenholzer said after the Bucks hit a season-high 26 3-pointers against the Magic. "When the ball is popping and the ball is moving, I think guys enjoy [it]. They know they're gonna get it back. They know they're gonna get good looks [by] playing unselfishly.
"To be our best, I think the ball movement and the sharing and playing together is important."
The scary part? Milwaukee has room for improvement. Middleton is still finding his rhythm. Portis just returned to the rotation. Jae Crowder only has four games under his belt.
It's unclear whether they will be able to surpass that famous Lakers streak, but the Bucks very well could end the season the same way as that team — with a championship celebration.
