Milwaukee Bucks: 5 keys to second round series vs. Celtics

3. Eric Bledsoe keeps it rolling

Due to playing on a number of struggling teams earlier in his career, Eric Bledsoe does not have a ton of playoff experience. In that limited experience, he struggled every year. He was good in the regular season, but then the wheels would fall off. This year though, he’s stepped his game up, and he’s playing better than ever. He continued to do so against a Pistons team that only has one major defensive-minded guard.

Can he do it again against a much better Celtics team, the very one that embarrassed him in the first round last year thanks to Terry Rozier?

Even if he doesn’t have to go against Smart for the majority if not all of the series, he’ll likely have to deal with Irving on the defensive end, which could wear him out on offense. The team relies heavily on his ability to cut to the basket when Giannis is operating at the top or at the elbow. His shooting numbers are great, and he’s been a menace on the defensive end, as he’s averaging 2.0 steals per game.

If he can stymie Irving on the defensive end, it will take more pressure off him on the other end. The problem is Irving is going to get his. That’s just what he does. Bledsoe will need to do his best to match him while playing within the offense. He’s done it for one series. Can he keep it up though? His shiny new contract means the team is hoping so. If he can’t, the Bucks may be in some trouble.