NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Bucks vs Heat
NBA Playoffs must-follow storylines: Bucks vs Heat – Key Matchup: Giannis Antetokounmpo vs the Miami Heat wall
It’s no secret that Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has struggled in years past when opposing defenses build a wall to prevent him from penetrating into the paint. The Toronto Raptors successfully took advantage of the strategy during the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, and the Miami Heat did the same last season.
Knowing how dangerous Giannis becomes when driving to the basket with devastating force, exceptional strength, and lengthy strides from the top of the key, teams have adopted the philosophy of defending Antetokounmpo by sagging off to try and force him into a jump shot, and then forming a wall-type figure with the addition of one, two, or even three help-side defenders when he tries to attack the rim.
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Throughout this season though, Giannis has become more accustomed to making the right decisions once the defense implements this tactic against him. He’s put in the patience and effort to make more essential improvements on strengthening his decisiveness.
As a result, Antetokounmpo has combined his dominant physicality with his improved awareness and decision-making to thrive in the interior, especially around the rim. While he’s efficiently getting to the rim, Giannis shot a league-best and career-high 83.7 percent within three feet of the basket during the regular season. In comparison, he shot 71.6 percent from that area in the playoffs last season, his worst percentage from there since the 2016-17 campaign.
Miami did an outstanding job of containing The Greek Freak in the bubble last year, but can they repeat the same kind of efforts this season? Jae Crowder was a crucial part of slowing down Giannis for the Heat, but now he’s with Phoenix. Can Trevor Ariza fill his shoes and be as impactful? Along with Ariza, Bam Adebayo, Andre Iguodala, and Jimmy Butler will surely help defend Antetokounmpo as well.
It’s a matchup that could define the series. The Miami Heat have proved to be a swarming defense to break down for Giannis and the Bucks, but can Antetokounmpo decisively infiltrate Miami’s wall this time now that he’s more experienced and prepared?