Milwaukee Bucks: Historic play from Giannis, Bucks is being overlooked

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks are an East-topping 24-3. Winners of their last 18, the reigning MVP has taken his game to new heights to catalyze Milwaukee’s outstanding start to the season.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a unique talent.

The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Mike Budenholzer, have constructed an ecosystem around the 6-foot-11 forward. Without getting into the nuances of Budenholzer’s system, his formula isn’t overly complex – spread the floor, shoot 40-plus 3’s per night, and get shots right at the tin.

The recent 3-point revolution in the NBA is an analytically driven phenomenon. Generally, shooting more will result in better results. After all, three is worth more than two (crazy, right?).

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But in Milwaukee’s case, it isn’t 3-pointers for 3-pointers’ sake. Their gun-happy nature from deep, while analytically favored, is more to do with maximizing the talents of their Greek superstar.

Four guys surrounding the line for the Bucks give Antetokounmpo room to roam. Opposing defenses must attempt to contain the Greek Freak one-on-one or surrender high percentage 3’s to capable shooters.

This is who Milwaukee has been for some time now under Budenholzer. The system’s success was evidenced by their Eastern Conference Finals berth last year. Their season ended in disappointing fashion – losing four straight to the eventual champions in the Toronto Raptors – but the Bucks have ironed out some creases this year that have taken them to another level.

The main ‘crease’ is – or was – Antetokounmpo’s 3-ball. Last season, he shot 2.8 3’s a game at a 25.6 percent clip. This season, he’s up to five 3-point attempts per outing – nailing 32.5 percent. He’s already hit 41 3’s through 25 games – just 11 less than he hit all of last year in 75 games.

The difference is night and day. While teams will likely still conceded the Antetokounmpo 3 given his prowess inside the arc, Giannis developing a respectable jumper from 3 adds another dimension to Milwaukee’s offense. There’s now a larger price to pay for laying off of the Greek Freak.

It opens up things for Milwaukee’s secondary-ball-handlers, whether it be Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton or George Hill. While minuscule, Giannis now has some gravity from beyond the arc, which creates open lanes for the aforementioned Bledsoe, Middleton, and Hill as well as the rare Antetokounmpo catch-and-shoot 3. Backdoor cut opportunities can also present themselves against teams who over-honor Giannis’ shooting ability.

Giannis has also taken his passing to another level – an area of his game which was tested particularly in last year’s Conference Finals. The Raptors doubled Antetokounmpo, typically converging on him in and around the free-throw line. They forced Giannis to give the ball up, where he struggled with ball placement on his passes. His passes were often wayward, forcing shooters to reach high and low to secure the pass.

No longer are his passes out of inevitable double teams wildly high or low. Antetokounmpo is now much more proficient at finding the shooting pockets of his teammates, creating high percentage looks, rather than his teammates having to jumble up their feet in order to reel in a pass.

For the year, Antetokounmpo’s per-game averages sit at 31 points, 12.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks. His points, rebounds, and 3-point-percentage have all ticked up from his MVP season a year ago. And while he’s certainly taken strides in his development, Milwaukee’s supporting cast has helped him to reach new heights.

Bledsoe and Middleton remain solid as ever for the Bucks – Bledsoe with his ability to slash and break down the defense and Middleton his shooting prowess from any and everywhere.

Bledsoe’s capitulation in last year’s series against Toronto filled many with concern – and rightly so. The 6-foot-1 guard was erratic in his decision making and simply couldn’t buy a bucket at times.

Though not indicative of postseason performance, Bledsoe has started the year encouragingly. He’s taking more twos and fewer 3’s, where he’s shooting a touch better than last year at 34.4 percent (32.9% the prior year). His free throw percentage has also boosted six percent (81%) from a year ago (75%).

It’s important for Bledsoe to not allow defenses to dictate his play. He can’t become a spot-shooter – Milwaukee needs his dribble penetration. It’s a key element to Budenholzer’s squad avoiding stagnation on the offensive end, and it’s where Bledsoe is at his best.

Giannis has also found support in the form of newcomers Wesley Mathews and Robin Lopez. Mathews gives Milwaukee excellent spacing (37.7% from 3) and a solid wing defender at roughly 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds. Lopez provides the Bucks with a legitimate backup big – something Milwaukee has lacked for a few years. A solid rebounder and rim protector with decent foot speed, Lopez can give his twin brother, Robin, some rest without the Bucks losing any size inside.

Donte DiVincenzo has also emerged as a legit rotation piece for Milwaukee. The second-year man from Villanova is athletic, versatile defensively, and has proven an ability to knock down the three at an acceptable clip (35.3%). He gives an otherwise veteran-filled Milwaukee squad a splash of youth and exuberance which is, while not glaringly obvious, something the Bucks have sought after.

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Milwaukee has the NBA’s best record. They have the reigning MVP, as well as a bevy of capable players ready to exorcise their demons following last year’s playoff exit. Forget the Los Angeles Lakers, the LA Clippers, the Philadelphia 76ers. The Milwaukee Bucks are the NBA’s best – at least for the moment.

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