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Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from surprising Game 1 loss vs. Celtics

By Ryan Piers

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 28: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game One of Round Two of the 2019 NBA Playoffs at the Fiserv Forum on April 28, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. The Greek Freak has met his match

Antetokounmpo might be the most Superman-like athlete in the NBA. On Sunday, he met his kryptonite in Horford.

The Greek Freak looked completely un-freakish against the Boston big man. Giannis took 21 shots to get to 22 points and was syphoned off by Horford nearly every time he penetrated the paint. Antetokounmpo shot a horrendous 4-for-15 at the rim.

Against the Detroit Pistons and pretty much every other team, Giannis is one the biggest mismatches in the NBA. He’s much too fast for big men to guard, and much too big for guards to defend, but he was atrocious with Horford on the floor.

Giannis is able to beat defenders in so many ways. Maybe his favorite move is the Euro-step. The Bucks forward loves to gallop to the paint and with his long legs, side-step lumbering rim protectors for easy layups. Quicker and smarter than most bigs, Horford is prepared for the maneuver.

With the spry legs of a youthful 24-year-old, Giannis also often scores off quick put-backs. Most post players don’t have the pogo stick-like bounce of the Greek Freak. Horford possesses something better: impeccable timing. Horford smartly anticipates Giannis’ put-back above, swatting it to the hardwood.

The Bucks’ offense is primarily predicated off two things: the drive-and-score abilities of Giannis or the drive-and-kick abilities of Giannis. No. 42 in green was the answer to both in Game 1. So aside from the Greek Freak playing better, how does Milwaukee adjust?

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