Bucks Zone

"To have the best record, it is something that matters and is important" - Mike Budenholzer reacts to the Milwaukee Bucks securing the top seed in the NBA

The Milwaukee Bucks are a picture of consistency this season.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks have been incredibly consistent this season, and after 80 games, they have finally clinched the top seed in the East.

The Bucks sealed the feat that comes with a crucial home-court edge throughout the playoffs when they drubbed the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night, 105-92.

The win stretched Milwaukee's NBA-best record to 58-22, securing the top seed regardless of the outcome of their final two regular-season games.

Picture of consistency

Rightfully so, the Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer gave the Bucks a "ton of credit" for the achievement, which he said is never easy to accomplish.

"Night in and night out in this league, it's hard," Budenholzer said.

Emerging with the best record after the regular season is a testament to the team's consistency, Budenholzer said.

"To have the best record, it is something that matters and is important. But being our best day each night is what we talk about the most," he said.

Great achievement

The Bucks had to deal with injuries to their superstars, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

Those two Milwaukee stars had to sit out several games due to injuries, but the Bucks kept finding ways to win.

That's why for Brook Lopez, emerging as the top seed, even if injuries hounded the team is extra special.

"It's definitely a great achievement," Lopez said. "It's cool because we've had a lot of different lineups throughout the year, and regardless of who we've put out on the floor, our guys have come out with the right mindset and have been going out there to succeed."

Finally, securing the top seed felt like the Bucks got the monkey off their backs, and with the two remaining games practically becoming no-bearing matches already, they will have the luxury to give their key players some rest as they gear up for the playoff grind.

Giannis Antetokounmpo rested a sore knee against Chicago, while Grayson Allen was also absent due to a sprained ankle. Khris Middleton left in the second quarter due to a sore right knee.

"Now we get to take a breath. I have no idea what we're going to do Friday and Sunday. The guys have earned it. Ton of credit to the guys for what they've done since the all-star break to put themselves in this position," said Budenholzer.

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.