NBA 2018-19: Eastern Conference Power Rankings - Week 3

#2 Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks v Washington Wizards

I did not initially see why Bucks fans all over the NBA were so vocal in their #FireKidd campaign, but having seen what a competent NBA coach can do with the amount of talent on their roster, I'm happy to see the Wisconsin franchise back in contention to emerge from the Conference.

The impact of Mike Budenholzer is clearest on the defensive side of things. The Bucks are no longer bleeding corner 3s like they did last season. Playing Brook Lopez as the starter has helped Giannis' rebounding numbers immensely, as he benefits from the former Stanford big man's excellent boxing out.

The Bucks are also attempting more 3-pointers than ever, and knocking them down at a more-than-passable rate right now - their big men Henson, Lopez and Ilyasova are all money from deep and help them field a 5-out offence that makes things easier for mid-range maestro Khris Middleton and the Greek Freak.

Their latest result - a blowout win at the Oracle Arena against the Warriors - should send out a clarion call to the rest of the Eastern Conference, if one hasn't already been sounded by their impeccable start to the season.