NBA: Each East team’s main concern as they push for the ECF
By FS Staff
What the Bucks need to worry about: Giannis going 1v5
During the halftime show of Game 2, Charles Barkley made an extremely simple yet insightful point:
"“Giannis shouldn’t have to work hard to score, he’s simply working too hard to get his buckets. As great as he is, if he’s going 1-5 it’s not going to work”."
Giannis had trouble in Game 1 because of a lack of activity from other players, which stalled the offense and forced him to go 1v5. Without space to maneuver in the paint, GA resorted to ineffective euro-steps and forced shots, which mitigated his explosiveness and allowed the help defense to get hands near the ball. This culminated in a 7-21, Game 1 performance.
Coach Bud has made a few important changes that have paid dividends. Firstly, he put Giannis in more PnR action (ballhandling and screening), giving his teammates opportunities to capitalize on the attention he demands. Secondly, Giannis is making the right play time and time again, punishing help defense with accurate kick outs, leading his team in passes per game and potential assists.
Finally, the Bucks secondary stars have stopped deferring to Giannis, and have stayed aggressive. Bledsoe is playing dynamic, driving with purpose and collapsing the defense. Middleton is equally aggressive with his shot, hitting a barrage of threes and looking to attack every time he gets the ball. Lopez has done his job spacing the court with timely jumpers.
As long the Bucks offense doesn’t devolve into Giannis trying to Eurostep past three defenders, and the complimentary Bucks pieces are firing, they will be tough to beat.