In a lopsided battle from start to finish, the Milwaukee Bucks(34-19) beat down the Charlotte Hornets(10-41) by a score of 120-84. Though the game’s significance is downplayed by the fact that the win was against a guaranteed lottery team, the Bucks’ obvious surge in defensive aggression can be attributed to their recent trade for Beverly.

The Hornets’ score of 84 is the lowest opponent team total let up by the Bucks this season, per Basketball Reference. On top of the season-low letup, Beverly contributed six points and four assists in only 12 minutes of action. Though the box score indicated low numbers for Beverly’s first game, the Bucks’ defensive capabilities only have potential to exponentially increase following Beverly’s inevitable adjustment to the team. 

Even with the win against the struggling Hornets, the Bucks are 2-5 following the hiring of Doc Rivers, according to ESPN. However, seeing as the surging Clippers started 0-5 after the trade for James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers, the Bucks’ can’t truly be criticized until Rivers fully settles into his new role. 

The Milwaukee Bucks still have numerous opportunities to demonstrate that their hiring of Doc Rivers and trading for Damian Lillard still allow them to be strong Eastern Conference Final favorites, with the most imminent coming against the Denver Nuggets(36-17).