Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from blown Game 5 vs. Raptors

2. 3-point shooting hampers Milwaukee once again

For as dominant a 3-point shooting team as the Bucks had developed into during the regular season, their continuous struggles have hampered them quite a bit during this series. They were only 10-for-31 from downtown in Game 5, compared to an 18-of-42 mark for Toronto, a startling 24-point differential.

Overall in these conference finals, Milwaukee has seen a decrease in efficiency from beyond the arc, shooting just 30.3 percent compared to 35.3 percent during the regular season. The team has actually increased its number of attempts per game, yet has seen a sharp decline in makes by 1.7.

Milwaukee’s front office did a great job of surrounding Antetokounmpo with the right type of talent in guys who can stretch the defense by demanding attention from beyond the arc. When they struggle to hit shots, it throws the offense all out of sorts.

Giannis used to be able to freely bully his way to the bucket with just a single defender in his way, knowing full well defenses wouldn’t double-team for fear of being beat by the 3-ball. Only now, the Raptors are sending multiple defenders to take away his lane to the basket, essentially daring his teammates to beat them from the outside.

This, in turn, is forcing him into tough shots that have led to an 11.8 percent drop in field goal percentage, along with 4.6 turnovers a game. The struggles from beyond the arc will continue to hinder Milwaukee’s ability to put up points. On a more important level, failing to regain that level of excellence will also limit the abilities of its best player — one the Bucks will certainly need at his greatest in order push the series to a Game 7.