Milwaukee Bucks Point Forward Podcast

The Milwaukee Bucks retained many of their own in free agency, re-signing Bobby Portis, Wesley Matthews and Jevon Carter in free agency. The franchise also brought in Joe Ingles from Utah as a potential mid-season additive once he recovers from his ACL injury. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the moves and what questions remain for the Bucks before the season. And with Kevin Durant asking out of Brooklyn, is it at least POSSIBLE he ends up in Milwaukee? They discuss how that could work. By the day, did you see Rise and Hustle, basketball movies with Bucks players heavily involved? JR offers a bit of a review for both. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Ben Steele joins host JR Radcliffe to discuss the NBA Draft, starting with Milwaukee's first-round selection of MarJon Beauchamp. How does the team's first first-rounder since 2018 fit? What's next for the Bucks now that Pat Connaughton is back in the fold? Plus: Ben looks at the many other Wisconsin connections in the draft, including first-round picks Johnny Davis and Pat Baldwin Jr., plus others who weren't taken like Justin Lewis, Alondes Williams and Michael Foster Jr. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Milwaukee Bucks now embark on an offseason looking to put themselves back in the same position next year. Are we sure The Big Three will all be back next year? What about Brook Lopez? George Hill? Grayson Allen? Bobby Portis? Pat Connaughton? Wesley Matthews? Can the Bucks add any new difference maker given the salary-cap constraints? Would the Bucks make the P.J. Tucker trade all over again? Will they use their first-round draft pick on an actual player?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Boston Celtics eliminated the Bucks in seven games in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe ask if it really does boil down to an injured Khris Middleton. Giannis was amazing, but why couldn't anyone else shoot? Does it just boil down to missed shots? On the docket: The officiating and the art of the flop, the struggles of Grayson Allen and George Hill, a re-visit of the Serge Ibaka trade and the gun violence near the Deer District. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Was Jrue Holiday's foul on Marcus Smart a shooting foul? How can there be such a big disparity in second-half foul shots? The NBA officials were in the crosshairs after Milwaukee's Game 3 win, a tense down-to-the-buzzer finish that gave the Bucks a 2-1 lead in the series against the Celtics. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at where it stands, the degree to which the Bucks miss Khris Middleton, the big output from Giannis (even if the MVP trophy is going to someone else), the Wes Matthews factor and, yes, the officiating. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski chats from Boston with host JR Radcliffe after the Bucks grabbed Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston. The defense was amazing; is that sustainable? How will Boston try to counter Milwaukee's big lineup? Jrue Holiday takes over, Bobby Portis shows how far he's come on defense, Giannis alley-oops to himself off the glass and more. Plus: One Quick Buck goes back to a memorable Game 3 of the 1987 Eastern Conference semis between the Bucks and Celtics, and What's Making Jim Mad? Hippos, obviously. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The tide has shifted dramatically in Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Bulls after back-to-back lopsided wins for the Bucks in Chicago. Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe look at the Grayson Allen resurgence and how Milwaukee has clicked without injured Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, coach Mike Budenholzer's deft adjustments and the defensive effort that has frustrated DeMar DeRozan. But with the Celtics on the horizon, can Milwaukee keep it up against the same team that's shutting down Kevin Durant?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss what the Milwaukee Bucks have to do to overcome an injury to one of their three best players now that Khris Middleton has a sprained MCL. Who steps up? How will things look different? Is Milwaukee in trouble in this series with the Chicago Bulls? What about after that? And what in the world happened in an aesthetically haunting Game 2 loss. What happened to Jrue Holiday? How can a player wind up with a bloody face like Bobby Portis and no foul be assessed? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Milwaukee Bucks took down Chicago in an ugly-yet-satisfying Game 1 victory on Sunday. Did Chicago figure out a way to bog the Bucks down, or was that just typical Game 1 rust? Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe look at the defensive struggle, the role of Brook Lopez, and the decision by Mike Budenholzer to keep Giannis off the floor late in the game. Can the Bucks win a title if Jrue and Khris aren't at a star level? Is Giannis getting some superstar treatment from the refs?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take a look at the first-round playoff draw for the Bucks: the Chicago Bulls. What -- if anything -- should worry Milwaukee about the matchup? Did the Bucks orchestrate this with their late-season decision to rest players? What stands out about the now-complete regular season? Would the Milwaukee Bucks trade Donte DiVincenzo if they could do it all over again? Plus: One Quick Buck revisits the 2015 playoff clash between the two squads. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Milwaukee Bucks enjoyed a great start to the week, with a nail-biting win over Philadelphia and Giannis Antetokounmpo setting the franchise scoring mark in a thrilling OT win in Brooklyn. But then, a punted battle with the Clippers and a disappointing loss to Dallas has them back in the fight for a top-two playoff positioning. With one week left, should we be scratching our heads that the Bucks are choosing rest over seeding? Who are the teams that are most concerning as potential first-round foes, does Giannis still have a chance to win MVP and is Jevon Carter in line for more minutes? Plus, One Quick Buck cheats a little to profile a Naismith Hall of Famer and What's Making Jim Mad. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Whoa, where did the Boston Celtics come from? Suddenly there's a new chief contender in the Eastern Conference; where do the Bucks stand with two weeks to play? JR Radcliffe and Jim Owczarski look at the soon-to-fall franchise scoring record, the high-level play of Brook Lopez and a sneaky reason why Toronto might be a first-round playoff foe everyone -- including Milwaukee -- wants to avoid. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

USA TODAY NBA writer Jeff Zillgitt and FOX6 Milwaukee reporter Lily Zhao join Jim Owczarski to break down a meh West Coast trip, if the Bucks have gotten their due in Wisconsin and Giannis Antetokounmpo's chances for MVP.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Brook is back! The Bucks big man has returned from his injury that kept him out all but one game this season, and point guard George Hill is back, too. Who's about to see their minutes decrease and how will the Bucks use him? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take a look and also re-visit the Bucks' six-game winning streak (including Giannis playing in a back-to-back). Plus, One Quick Buck takes a Big Dance approach and What's Making Jim Mad features a shortage of a very crucial supply out west.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

After wins over the Heat, Bulls and Suns, surely we can say the Bucks have officially turned a corner, right? Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the renewed optimism in Milwaukee. Plus, looking at how the team's midseason additions are faring, the latest on Brook Lopez and what each win foretells should the two squads meet in the postseason. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look back at another tight home loss against a dangerous Eastern Conference team. Have the Bucks missed their chance to get a one-seed, and at what point should we sound the alarm about the Bucks' ability to avoid the play-in series? Milwaukee adds another guard in Jevon Carter, but he's not the guy Bucks fans wanted. Does the optimism meter on Brook Lopez's return rise now that he's back at some practices? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe look back at an eventual all-star weekend for Giannis Antetokounmpo, his brothers and Khris Middleton, including Giannis taking his place on the 75th anniversary team. They discuss the pros and cons of a chaotic skills competition and also look back at Milwaukee's loss to an inspired 76ers team before the break. Plus: One Quick Buck looks at a famous father, and What's Making Jim Mad zeroes in on pizza options. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Pat Connaughton's injury suddenly leaves the Bucks without a key member of the rotation for the foreseeable future. So what does Milwaukee do now? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss on this week's Point Forward Podcast. Plus, newcomer Serge Ibaka and healing Brook Lopez chat with reporters, Milwaukee sees how it must improve after getting beaten badly at Phoenix, and Giannis will be just part of the Milwaukee flavor on all-star weekend. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks made a bigger splash than anticipated before the NBA trade deadline Thursday, landing big man Serge Ibaka in a four-way trade that sent Donte DiVincenzo, Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood elsewhere. Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe discuss the deal, what it signifies about the long-term health of Brook Lopez, what specifically Ibaka provides the Bucks in a playoff situation and what comes next with a couple open roster spots. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The trade deadline has arrived; will the Milwaukee Bucks make some tweaks to the roster to bolster a repeat run? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at Milwaukee's West Coast success, the re-arrival of Greg Monroe, a surprise choice for the all-star team and more, including One Quick Buck with another Olympic tie and What's Making Jim Mad.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Milwaukee Bucks just completed a sub-.500 month but notched some nice wins along the way. What gives? Is it effort? Is it a necessary down-shift for a team that expects to make a championship run later? Is it simply still missing Brook Lopez? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe look at members of the Bucks Big Three expressing dissatisfaction with recent games, looming trade deadlines and a West Coast swing that awaits. Plus, One Quick Buck with an Olympics tie-in and What's Making Jim Mad. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe spend most of this episode on Grayson Allen. Was the NBA right to suspend Allen for the foul on Alex Caruso? Could the suspension have been longer? How much does his reputation factor into the fallout of the play? How about the Bucks reaction, including the response to the league and an ill-timed GIF? Oh yeah, and the Bucks have won three straight and are back in the thick of the Eastern Conference title race. Plus, One Quick Buck looks at another hard-foul controversy from recent history. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jrue Holiday has been out and the Bucks have lost six of eight; is his return the thing that will jumpstart Milwaukee? Are we sure this team can become great again in the playoffs? How concerned should we be about Holiday's injury. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss that, plus Khris Middleton's recent play, the troubles from the bench and whether any other team can frustrate Milwaukee the way the Toronto Raptors can. Plus: What's Making Jim Mad and a local product featured on One Quick Buck.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks caught many by surprise when they elected to part ways with DeMarcus Cousins. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe take a look at that decision, as well as the one to guarantee the rest of Wesley Matthews' contract. Plus: the team's recent slump, a comparison between Khris Middleton and Klay Thompson, Jrue Holiday as Team MVP and a Badgers-tinged "One Quick Buck." Oh, and the zipper merge.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe are back from holiday break to discuss the red-hot Bucks; sure the competition is sub-par, but have the Bucks hit their groove? Will Jrue Holiday wind up on the all-star team? Are we sure DeMarcus Cousins is going to be with the franchise beyond this week? Donte DiVincenzo is back (albeit briefly), and are the Chicago Bulls the new team to chase? Plus, a new family connection for One Quick Buck and What's Making Jim Mad?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Milwaukee Bucks are decimated by absences in the health and safety protocol; do we have any idea when we'll see Giannis and others again? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss what the Bucks are facing and how the new COVID regulations and roster rules could impact Milwaukee. Call your agent, Brandon Jennings! Will the Bucks keep DeMarcus Cousins after early January? Plus: One Quick Buck and What's Making Jim Mad take on a Christmas theme. Kind of. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe discuss some breaking news, that Giannis Antetokounmpo has entered the league's health and safety protocol. What does that mean for Giannis, not to mention the other players now in the protocol (Wesley Matthews and Donte DiVincenzo, whose season debut Wednesday is now on hold). What about the Khris Middleton knee injury Monday against Boston? Can the Bucks keep piling up wins through a relatively soft part of the schedule with their stars out?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Giannis Antetokounmpo is doing Giannis things, and Khris and Jrue are back contributing at a high level, putting the Bucks within striking distance of first place. Not only that, but Donte DiVincenzo might be back Wednesday. Does that preclude Milwaukee from making a play for Indiana's Myles Turner (or anyone else)? Jim Owczarski and JR Radcliffe discuss, plus the early success of Javonte Smart and a deep dive on the former all-time shot blocker in Bucks history. Jim has very strong feelings on whether or not Die Hard is a Christmas movie.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks continue on a steady path, but they know now that big man Brook Lopez is out for an extended period of time with back surgery. Host JR Radcliffe and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer Jim Owczarski discuss the fallout, plus a balky calf for Giannis, the return of Wesley Matthews and Donte DiVincenzo getting one step closer to basketball activity. Plus, One Quick Buck looks at another random Buck from years past and What's Making Jim Mad.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks are reportedly bringing in DeMarcus Cousins. Is that a sign the Brook Lopez injury is even worse than feared? Could he provide the edge the Bucks lost when they lost P.J. Tucker? How will they use him? It comes at a time when the Bucks are hitting their groove with seven straight wins, and Giannis has returned to the MVP conversation. Plus: One Quick Buck looks at a Bucks player from years past and What's Making Jim Mad?

The Bucks returned to their winning ways, but what's with the consecutive big blown leads to backups? Podcast host JR Radcliffe and Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski look at Khris Middleton's return, a winning streak with some trepidation, and intriguing stories with Giannis at the center from unusual places: GQ and Rolling Stone. Is there Brook Lopez optimism? Plus: One Quick Buck who's been in the news recently and What's Making Jim Mad.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks had a so-so finish to the road trip, but with Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton and Donte DiVincenzo still sidelined, the team remains a long way from its best self. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel take a look as the Bucks prepare to open a homestand. Is Middleton for sure coming back soon? What's the Lopez update? What do we make of Jrue Holiday's sustained shooting slump? Plus more on Rodney Hood, Grayson Allen and Pat Connaughton, One Quick Buck profiles the OTHER guy taken in the 2013 draft and what's making Jim mad this week?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks visited President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday to celebrate their 2021 NBA title, and Jim Owczarski was there to take it all in. The Bucks reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel joins podcast host JR Radcliffe to discuss the encounter with the Executive Branch. But what's up with the Judiciary with continued struggles on the court? That's a tortured play on words, but whatever, we like it. Milwaukee is now 4-6 with still four more road contests coming up, and the injury situation just doesn't seem to have an end point. Also, One Quick Buck discusses a tweet heard round the NBA and What's Making Jim Mad in Philadelphia?

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the biggest concern of the Bucks' recent three-game losing skid ... a lingering injury that's keeping Brook Lopez off the floor. What can Bucks fans take away from these losses with the roster so depleted? Is Giannis "newfound jump shot" falling apart ... or perhaps not? What's the thought on the new "remixed" City Edition jerseys? Also, One Quick Buck looks back at a former No. 1 draft pick and What's Making Jim Mad. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

The Bucks opened the year with a dazzling win and followed it up with a stinker, although a win in San Antonio had the team 2-1 in the early going. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the complications of not having Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez available, the sudden emergence of Jordan Nwora and a new contract for Grayson Allen. Plus: One Quick Buck takes a look at an early 90s top draft choice, and Jim wants to wrong some rights in What's Making Jim Mad.

Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and podcast host JR Radcliffe look ahead to the 2021-22 season as the Bucks look to defend their championship, starting with a highly intriguing matchup against the Brooklyn Nets at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday. Has Giannis really taken his jump shot to another level? What tweaks will the Bucks make as they await the returns of Semi Ojeleye and Bobby Portis from injuries? What's up with Ted Davis disappearing from radio broadcasts so abruptly? Jon Horst gets an extension and will Georgios Kalaitzakis be the guy who wins Bucks' fans hearts this year? Plus, the debut of two new Point Forward Podcast features: One Quick Buck celebrating a random Bucks player from their 50 years without a title (starting with a center known for one particular foul) and What's Making Jim Mad (starting with an airport he despises ... and something else out of this world entirely).Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski. Music during segments from SoundCloud, "Pursuit Music Logo."

Whoa, that was fast. The 2021-22 NBA season starts with preseason games on Tuesday already, and the Milwaukee Bucks head into the year as the reigning NBA champion. No big deal. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at how the team will handle the quick turnaround, which new faces will make an immediate impact, the absence of P.J. Tucker and who replaces his defensive edge, the starting lineup with Donte DiVincenzo still sidelined and more. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Host JR Radcliffe is joined by special guest Matt Velazquez, former Journal Sentinel Bucks writer and a student of the salary-cap minutiae, to weigh in on Milwaukee's initial foray into free agency. Bobby Portis is staying and P.J. Tucker is leaving, and both count as surprises. Is it possible Portis staying impacted Tucker's plight? What factors are in play that might have compelled Milwaukee to move on from their defensive stopper and veteran leader? What do we know about newcomers Semi Ojeleye and Rodney Hood? Do the Bucks still have a move left to make?

The Milwaukee Bucks are the 2021 NBA champion. Has it sunk in yet? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe examine Milwaukee achieving the dream, winning a title with a Game 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Giannis delivers perhaps his signature performance; where does this escalate him in the basketball pantheon? In addition to the takeaways and enduring images from the celebration, they discuss Jon Horst's string of successful decisions, the role of luck, the team's prospects for another title and ... actually, just more Giannis. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Bucks beat reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe get you set for that incredible opportunity in Game 6 on Tuesday night. Jim looks back at that alley-oop from Jrue Holiday to Giannis. Why was Game 5 different when the Suns took an early lead? Is Mike Budenholzer's future for sure locked down in Milwaukee? Have the Suns been playing a little dirty? Will Aaron Rodgers be there at Game 6 to witness the Bucks take a swing at their first NBA championship in 50 years? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski

Thanks to some 40-point performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, plus a block that will live forever, the Bucks battled back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the NBA Finals with the Phoenix Suns. Host JR Radcliffe and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Jim Owczarski discuss how the block could ultimately frame the legacy of Antetokounmpo, and is it possible he wins NBA Finals MVP, win or lose? What do we make of Jrue Holiday's continued struggles on offense but dominance on defense? Pat Connaughton has stepped up, Dario Saric's absence is looming pretty large, and who's got the edge in this series now?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a 2-0 deficit in the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns; can they get back into the series at Fiserv Forum, starting Sunday? Bucks beat reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at the struggles of Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton on offense, the adjustments that were made (yes, they DID make adjustments) from Game 1 to Game 2 and how Phoenix thwarted them, the dominance but lingering worry around Giannis Antetokounmpo and the concern that the Suns might simply be too much to handle. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Former Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bucks beat reporters Matt Velazquez and Charles Gardner join host JR Radcliffe and current scribe Jim Owczarski to preview the NBA finals and look at the organizational evolution to this historic achievement. They revisit the astonishing 2013 trade for Khris Middleton. Should Mike Budenholzer have been on the hot seat (and is he still there)? What X-factors took a great regular-season team and made it a title-caliber squad? How did Jason Kidd factor into the progress that was made with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Most importantly, can this team beat the Phoenix Suns without a healthy Giannis?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

They actually did it! Without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee won twice against the Atlanta Hawks and triumphed in the Eastern Conference finals, 4-2, to earn its first NBA finals berth since 1974. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss the magic of the moment, the Khris Middleton takeover, the success of Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday, the remarkable contribution from Jeff Teague and how Milwaukee was able to overcome tepid 3-point shooting. But now, with Antetokounmpo's health still in question, can they negotiate the Phoenix Suns for the Larry O'Brien trophy?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The lopsided loss to an Atlanta team missing its best player was bad enough. But an injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo has cast a pall over the rest of Milwaukee's playoff future, and perhaps beyond? Bucks beat reporter Jim Owczarski and podcast host JR Radcliffe ask the main question everyone will ask Wednesday morning: Can the Bucks still win the series without their best player? What happened to the 3-point shooting? Why didn't Milwaukee have any success with Trae Young unavailable? Who steps up? Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Bucks are up 2-1 and Hawks star Trae Young is fighting an ankle injury; it feels very, very good to be a Bucks fan right now. Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe break it down. If Atlanta were to get back into it, how would they do it? Khris Middleton's signature performance. Bobby Portis winning the heart of Milwaukee. Pat Connaughton big off the bench. Giannis being otherworldly, per usual. The defense slowing Young down after a tough Game 1. Should we ... should we be thinking about making plans for the NBA Finals?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writer Jim Owczarksi and host JR Radcliffe take a look at the Eastern Conference finals matchup with the Atlanta Hawks. Do the Hawks have the horses to keep up with the Bucks? Could this be a Jrue Holiday bounce back? How does a team slow down Trae Young? Let's take one last look at the Bogdan Bogdanovic situation and how a preseason deal for the shooter might have fallen apart. Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

Bucks beat reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at a remarkable series win over the Nets, including all the elements of the overtime win in Game 7. The excellence of Durant and Giannis, the way a Bogdan Bogdanovic trade might have precluded bringing in P.J. Tucker, the struggles (but some redemption) of Jrue Holiday, the status of Mike Budenholzer's hot seat, the tightening of the rotation. Did we just get an answer about whether the Bucks can win a title with Giannis as the centerpiece? Is it unfair to say the Bucks got a little lucky? Can you believe this?Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Milwaukee Bucks have surged back to tie the series with the Nets at 2-2 following a win Sunday. If Kyrie Irving and James Harden remain sidelined by injuries, are the Bucks now the favorite to win? Bucks reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe discuss big game PJ Tucker, Pat Connaughton, the adjustments from Game 3's rock fight, Jrue Holiday trying to break free from a slump and ... there's a security guard on the court?Then, Owczarski is joined by former Bucks star Ray Allen and his wife, Shannon Walker Williams, looking back at the 2001 playoff run on its 20th anniversary and discussing the ways the couple has gone to bat in the fight against Type 1 diabetes.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.

The Milwaukee Bucks were knocked around in the first two games of the Eastern Conference semifinals in Brooklyn; as they head back to Fiserv Forum, can we cling to any shreds of hope? Bucks beat reporter Jim Owczarski and host JR Radcliffe look at what went wrong, examine the most optimistic and pessimistic takes, and ponder the future of coach Mike Budenholzer if this keeps heading where it seems to be going.Music intro produced by Olivia Reiner and voiced by Michelle Rutkowski.