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Milwaukee Bucks · Fearless in taking the type of chance seldom seen from a team with the Eastern Conference’s No. 1 seed in the prior year, the Milwaukee Bucks cemented their all-in mentality with a trajectory-altering trade just one month before the start of 2023-24. Trusting their ability to adapt in pairing Giannis Antetokounmpo with eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks were able to ride the season’s tumultuous, expectation-filled path to the No. 3 seed. Successful in protecting the ball well on-court, the Bucks’ next task will be to survive the off-court “turnover,” with three different head coaches and nagging injuries threatening to test both their depth and their durability with one of the NBA’s oldest average ages. Even so, the Bucks’ Hall of Fame-bound duo proved to be elite when at their apex, particularly when they needed it most. With a top-10 finish in clutch win percentage (57.5%), and an impressive 7-5 record against the teams with the NBA’s five best records, the 2021 NBA champions remain proven. Add in proven postseason talent such as Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, and the Bucks certainly have what it takes to withstand the pressure. · State of Mint