Hoops Habit
Fansided

3 keys for Chicago Bulls to win first-round series against Milwaukee Bucks

By Thomas J. Brown

Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks to forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and guard Zach LaVine (8) during a timeout of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Bulls wins 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks to forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and guard Zach LaVine (8) during a timeout of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. The Bulls wins 100-90. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks
Apr 5, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) passes the ball as he is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) and center Tristan Thompson (3) during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

3 keys for Chicago Bulls to win series against Milwaukee Bucks: Contain the Greek Freak

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time regular season MVP, and he just complete the best season of his pro career. That seems improbable until one takes the time to look at the numbers. His season averages of 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game are reflections of a man who has truly become a complete player. He is dominant, offensively, he is an elite defender, and he knows how to get his teammates involved. At first glance, he seems unstoppable.

While it is true that no team can stop a superstar of Antetokounmpo’s magnitude, he can certainly be slowed down. If he is allowed to execute his reign of terror, he might just duplicate the historic performance he turned in against the Phoenix Suns in last year’s NBA Finals. If he does that, the Bulls have little to no chance of winning the series.

However, if Chicago is able to successfully “wall off” Giannis’ driving attempts, the way the Toronto Raptors did in the 2019 playoffs, they force him to be less of a threat offensively. His game has certainly grown a lot in the three years that have transpired since Toronto curtailed his effectiveness, but forcing Antetokounmpo to lurk around the perimeter is still a better alternative than allowing him to dominate in the paint.

None of the pundits are giving Chicago a fighting chance in their upcoming series against Milwaukee. However, if the Bulls are strategic in their approach, they are capable of upsetting the defending champion Bucks.

They have a great mixture of hungry young talent to go along with experienced veterans. In the playoffs, the regular season records no longer matter and the results boil down to strategy, execution, and determination.

The Chicago Bulls should feel confident heading into their first-round playoff series. Who cares if the naysayers are saying they don’t have a chance? Getting to the playoffs was just the first step; now it’s time to grab the bull by the horns and determine their own destiny.

dark. Next. Official predictions for all three 2022 All-NBA Teams

Home/Chicago Bulls