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The Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024–25 NBA season began with an exciting game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Although players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard usually receive the most attention, Gary Trent Jr.’s defensive skills were what really grabbed attention.
Trent became an important part of Milwaukee’s backline defense in a game that was close until halftime.
Trent’s defensive ferocity was evident from the first tip-off. He showed impressive strength while tasked with protecting Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s finest player. Maxey was only able to shoot 32.3 percent from the field because he was able to stay close to his guy, which demonstrated his dedication on that end of the floor.
(The fact that Trent’s defensive rating of 102.7 points per 100 possessions is in the top 10 among guards with at least 30 minutes played is also completely worthless due to the small sample size and the early date.)
Regarding Trent’s defense, Damian Lillard told reporters after the game:
I’ve witnessed him do it, even if he doesn’t have a reputation for it. I knew he was capable of that since I had saw him in practice and in many games. He’s determined, you know, and he came in tonight with a goal.
He understands his position on the team and what we need to win, and I believe that tonight was the first time he demonstrated his commitment to doing so. He was there the entire game, guarded a player who is quick, explosive, capable of shooting, able to go both ways, and always had the ball. We’re going to require that kind of work.”
Surprisingly, Trent appears to be the defender Milwaukee has been lacking.
Trent’s reputation as a defender has been discussed extensively. However, as Milwaukee’s starting shooting guard, he has been disproving them thus far. Despite Tyrese Maxey’s speed, he did a great job of remaining in front of a spitfire guard like him. He still bites on cunning fakes, gets trapped on screens, and gives up switches relatively quickly.
Trent’s defensive duty on a team like the Milwaukee Bucks is clear: he’s not expected to clamp down his opponents completely, only to stop them long enough for Lopez or Antetokounmpo to come over and aid defense. Of course, he’s no Jrue Holiday substitute.
And he has performed this duty flawlessly.
Energy and effort make up the majority of NBA defense while playing one-on-one. You may argue all you want about his screen navigation and ability to remain ahead, but you can’t deny the hustle and passion that we’ve witnessed thus far, like as his zeal while chasing offensive players off the ball. Trent handled bumps effectively, kept his hands up, and played defense without getting fouled during the Sixers’ intense contest.
Ultimately, active hands and long arms cannot be taught. Trent is an expert at deterring shots with his physical instruments, so that’s what you get.
Because of Lillard’s personal difficulties on the defensive end of the court, Trent’s defensive duties are even more important. By stepping up, Trent relieves Lillard of some of the strain, freeing up energy for playmaking and scoring. As the Milwaukee Bucks make their way through a challenging season, this relationship may be crucial.
Trent’s ability to sustain this caliber of defensive play will be essential as the Bucks play the rest of the season. Consistency is essential during the lengthy and taxing NBA season. He scored 11 points in the first game, and if he can maintain this level of effort and offensive contribution, Milwaukee might establish itself as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference.
Although Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard may be the Bucks’ star players, Gary Trent Jr.’s development as a defensive mainstay may be what helps the team go farther in the playoffs. One thing is certain as supporters anxiously await what will happen next: Trent’s defense will be a plot point worth paying careful attention to this season.
