Behind The Bucks

After surviving a thrilling seven-game series in the 2001 Eastern Conference Semifinals, the Milwaukee Bucks reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 15 years. Narrated by Bucks broadcasting legend Jim Paschke, the final episode of Light It Up tells the story of Milwaukee’s dramatic series against the top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers — led by that season’s NBA MVP Allen Iverson, Coach of the Year Larry Brown, Defensive Player of the Year Dikembe Mutombo, and Sixth Man of the Year Aaron McKie. From Ray Allen’s historic performance in a do-or-die Game 6 at the Bradley Center, to the surprising news the team got before Game 7, Episode 4 explores the lasting legacy of a team that brought Milwaukee basketball back to life.

After surviving a dramatic first-round series against the Orlando Magic, the 2000-01 Milwaukee Bucks moved one step closer to the goal they had been chasing all season.

Narrated by Bucks broadcasting legend Jim Paschke, Episode 3 of Light It Up tells the story of Milwaukee’s Eastern Conference Semifinals battle with the Charlotte Hornets. Led by Jamal Mashburn, Baron Davis, P.J. Brown, and a physical frontcourt that gave the Bucks problems all season, Charlotte pushed Milwaukee to the brink and forced the Bucks to answer the question that followed them all year: could a jump-shooting team survive when the game got tougher?

After a 3-9 start threatened to derail the season, the Milwaukee Bucks had to adapt. Narrated by Bucks broadcasting legend Jim Paschke, Episode 2 of Light It Up tells the story of how the 2000-01 Bucks transformed from a talented team still searching for chemistry into one of the most dangerous groups in the NBA. George Karl adjusted his approach. Scott Williams helped bring the locker room together. Ernie Grunfeld built out the roster. And role players like Darvin Ham, Lindsey Hunter, Tim Thomas, and Ervin Johnson gave the Bucks the toughness they needed. After winning their first division title in 15 years, the Bucks opened the playoffs against Doc Rivers, Tracy McGrady, and the Orlando Magic. With the series getting physical and the trash talk getting louder, the Bucks were about to find out if their chemistry could hold under pressure.

Twenty-five years ago, the Milwaukee Bucks entered the season with star power, expectations, and a city ready to believe again.

Narrated by Bucks broadcasting legend Jim Paschke, Episode 1 of Light It Up tells the origin story of the 2000-01 Bucks and their unforgettable Big Three: Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Ray Allen, and Sam Cassell. From Robinson’s arrival as the No. 1 pick, to the draft-night trade that brought Allen to Milwaukee, to Cassell’s championship swagger and George Karl’s fiery leadership, this episode traces how a talented but unproven team began its transformation into a contender.

But before the Bucks could make their deepest playoff run in 27 years, they had to survive the pressure, criticism, and early-season turmoil that threatened to tear it all apart.

When the final game tipped off at the MECCA, the entire basketball world was watching.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 4 of Bucks vs. the World chronicles the championship matchup of the 1987 McDonald’s Open, as the Milwaukee Bucks face the Soviet Union national team in the first NBA game ever broadcast in the USSR and China. With fans from 36 countries tuned in, the Bucks carried not just the league, but the country on their shoulders in a game that felt like far more than an exhibition.

The episode follows the tournament’s aftermath, tracing how the Soviet team’s experience in Milwaukee helped fuel their run to Olympic gold in 1988, and how Boris Stanković’s persistence led to the historic 1989 FIBA vote allowing NBA players into international competition. In doing so, the McDonald’s Open became a crucial step toward the Dream Team and the arrival of international stars in the NBA.

At its heart, Episode 4 is also the story of Senator Herb Kohl — whose commitment to keeping the Bucks in Milwaukee ensured the city remained part of basketball’s global evolution — connecting the Crystal Cup to the championship banner hanging in Fiserv Forum today.

When the Soviet Union finally took the floor in Milwaukee, the stakes went far beyond basketball.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 3 of Bucks vs. the World focuses on the second game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open, as the Soviet Union national team faces EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan and quickly establishes itself as the tournament’s most formidable force. The result shocks fans and media who had just seen Tracer push the Bucks to the brink, dramatically shifting expectations for what lies ahead.

The episode explores the Cold War context surrounding the Soviet team’s arrival, including the lingering pain of the controversial 1972 Olympic gold medal game and the political realities shaping the lives of the USSR’s players and their legendary head coach, Alexander Gomelsky.

As the spirit of glasnost begins to emerge, Episode 3 captures a rare moment when sport, politics, and history collided — and when the Bucks realized they were about to represent far more than Milwaukee on the court.

The opening game of the 1987 McDonald’s Open revealed something no one was prepared for.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 2 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the Milwaukee Bucks’ matchup with EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan sent shockwaves through international basketball, forcing the NBA, the media, and fans across Europe to reconsider what was possible. As Tracer pushes the Bucks to the brink, the episode shows how perceptions of European talent began to change in real time.

The story then moves behind the Iron Curtain, introducing the Soviet Union national team as they arrive in Milwaukee. Through firsthand accounts from players, coaches, and journalists, the episode examines the challenging political realities that shaped the lives of the USSR’s stars and their legendary head coach — and how anticipation for the tournament’s final game grew into something much bigger than basketball.

In 1987, the Milwaukee Bucks hosted the 1987 McDonald’s Open, a groundbreaking tournament that brought together the Bucks, the Soviet Union national team, and EuroLeague champion Tracer Milan — marking the first collaboration between the NBA and FIBA.

Narrated by Charlie Berens, Episode 1 of Bucks vs. the World explores how the tournament came together, why Milwaukee was chosen, and how Cold War politics shaped one of the most consequential moments in basketball history. The episode builds to the Bucks’ dramatic opening matchup with Tracer Milan, setting the stage for a battle that would change the game forever.

Season 5 of Behind the Bucks, presented by Gallagher, returns with Locked In, a four-part series narrated by Marques Johnson that takes you inside the Milwaukee Bucks’ pursuit of a championship. In episode 1, players open up about the grind it takes to reach — and stay — in the NBA. Hear from the Bucks' stars on how early discipline, family influence, and an unshakable work ethic shaped their paths to the pros. This is the story of where championship dreams begin — and how the Bucks are building theirs from the ground up. Subscribe to the Behind the Bucks podcast, presented by Gallagher, to enjoy untold stories, essential insights, and exclusive access to your favorite team.

In the NBA, every player wants to be a star — but the real key to winning is learning how to be a star in your role. In this episode, Bucks veterans and rising players reveal what it takes to sacrifice, adapt, and elevate the team. Behind the Bucks is presented by Gallagher.