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

2. Supporting cast must step up

Celtics coach Brad Stevens will likely pair Horford with Giannis throughout the entirety of this series. Horford may not guard him directly, but limiting the Greek Freak’s paint presence is objective A for Boston.

So options B (Middleton), but specifically C and D need to step up. First and foremost is point guard Eric Bledsoe.

Bledsoe’s performance was the most disheartening for Milwaukee. He made just one field goal in 25 minutes, scoring six points. While Middleton can chalk up the physical defense of Marcus Morris and Jayson Tatum, Bledsoe lacks an excuse.

While not abysmal, Irving’s defensive rating was 106.4 this year, the second-worst on the Celtics. Terry Rozier is not exactly Gary Payton. Bledsoe needs to better use his speed and physicality to bully a less-than-fierce Celtics backcourt, especially with Horford zeroed in on Giannis.

Brook Lopez must also step up. He torched the Detroit Pistons in round one, splashing in 3s when Andre Drummond helped on Giannis.

Lopez shot 1-for-4 from downtown in Game 1 against Boston, spending too much time beneath the arc and allowing Horford to guard both him and Giannis at once. He must be more effective in space and from deep if Milwaukee hopes to beat Boston.