Why plucky Bucks are a sleeper team in the Eastern Conference

After a 2-8 start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks were quickly dismissed from the NBA championship race. After all, the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers had all started well and looked good value for money.

Milwaukee has a perception problem. Despite boasting a top-five player in Giannis Antetokounmpo and an elite guard in Damian Lillard, last season's struggles lowered expectations. Yet, reducing the media-created noise around the franchise appears to have worked wonders. 

Under Doc Rivers, the Bucks have built a resilience that has allowed them to quietly climb the Eastern Conference. Following the team's 121-112 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, Feb. 27, the Bucks sit fifth in the East. They're only half a game behind the Indiana Pacers, who sit fourth. 

Swapping Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma at the Feb. 6 trade deadline was a shrewd move. Middleton has struggled with injuries in recent years. Furthermore, he's lost some of the burst on his first step, making it tougher for him to create separation from his defender. Kuzma, while nowhere near as prolific, is a reliable two-way presence. 

Yet, even now, with a 33-25 record, the Bucks aren't being considered potential threats in the East. All eyes are on Boston and Cleveland, with some quiet whispers about the Knicks if they can figure out their defense. 

That lack of media and fan attention could work in the Bucks' favor. After all, Giannis and Lillard are one of the best one-two punches in the NBA. If they play with freedom and are devoid of expectations, they could become a devastating partnership during the playoffs. In fact, we've already seen signs of what's to come. 

According to PBPStats.com, Lillard has assisted Giannis 93 times this season, generating 193 points. Giannis has returned the favor on 43 occasions, earning the Bucks a further 122 points. There's a clear partnership emerging between the two. 

The NBA might be a three-horse race this season, but if one of those horses stumbles, don't be surprised to see the Bucks rise to the occasion. After all, Giannis and Rivers have both won championships before. It's not outside the realm of possibility that they can do it again.