Boston Celtics: 5 keys to series vs. Bucks

2. Find ways to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo

Last season, one of the biggest storylines was the breakout of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who improved his stats across the board and became an All-NBA player. This season, he somehow did it again, taking on a huge load and leading the Bucks to the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2004.

Milwaukee has other players who can do damage, and the Celtics will need to defend those players well. But offensively for Milwaukee, it all comes down to Antetokounmpo, and so for the Celtics it will too. Antetokounmpo is averaging 33.5 points per game against the Celtics this year.

Stopping Antetokounmpo starts first in transition, getting a body between him and the basket and not allowing a free lane with to the rim. Then, when he pulls out, a defender should give a small cushion of space and always be prepared for the drive. If he passes the ball, mission accomplished.

Al Horford will most likely start on Antetokounmpo, but he won’t — and shouldn’t, either — be the only defender. Jayson Tatum and Jaylon Brown could each take turns, and reserve forward Semi Ojeleye may have the right combination to stay in front of him.

Antetokounmpo is a special talent, and will be showing up big for every single game. To overcome the injuries and make waves in the first round, the Boston Celtics must develop a plan to maximize their talent and slow down Milwaukee’s best source of talent.