Part 2/7:
Last year's champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, had a bittersweet victory in the same event, reveling in their win yet falling short in the postseason with only one playoff victory. This context provides a backdrop for the Bucks’ recent achievement; while it may not guarantee postseason success, it signals a renewed vigor in their gameplay this year.
The contrast in fortunes between the Bucks and their opponents, the Oklahoma City Thunder, emphasizes this point. As of that night, the Thunder held the best record in the West at 20-5, thanks to an impressive +12.1 net rating, supported by a defense that has outperformed that of their closest rivals.