If the Milwaukee Bucks are going to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, they’re going to need Giannis Antetokounmpo’s best game yet.
When the Milwaukee Bucks stole Game 5 in Boston, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the defending champions would punch their ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals in Game 6 at home.
However, that didn’t exactly play out as many, perhaps including the Bucks, expected. Instead, the Boston Celtics dominated the Bucks in Game 6 as they forced a decisive Game 7 in Boston Sunday.
If the defending champs are going to continue their playoff run, the Bucks are going to need Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s best game yet. In Game 7 on the road, with a trip to the conference finals on the line, you wouldn’t expect it any other way.
Over the Bucks’ last four games, Giannis has taken his game to the next level. In the last four, he’s averaging 40 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field. Still, the Bucks are only 2-2 in the last four games of this series.
Without Khris Middleton (who is unlikely to play in Game 7) and with Jrue Holiday struggling offensively most of the time, the Bucks have struggled to keep up with Boston’s versatile offensive attack. Especially Jayson Tatum as of late, who finished with 46 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in Game 6.
There’s no legacy on the line for the Bucks or Giannis heading into Game 7, and an argument could be made that the Celtics have much more on the line, but it would be a huge disappointment if the Bucks lost this series.
Game 7’s are where superstars become legends. Even though Giannis is already well on his way to becoming a legend in his own right, winning Game 7 on the road in Boston would give him another “legendary moment” in his young career.
He had one (or a couple) in the NBA Finals last year, but most will remember his 50-point performance in Game 6 to clinch the championship. If the Bucks are going to have a shot at repeating, Giannis is going to need another in Game 7 on the road.
I’m not sure if he’ll need 50 for the Bucks to win, but it’s become clear that he’s the only player on the team that Boston simply doesn’t have a consistent answer for. Giannis needs to be Giannis in Game 7. And, if he is, there’s a good chance the Bucks will be able to win Game 7 on the road and advance to the conference finals.