This one devastating Giannis skill makes the Bucks playoff wildcards

The NBA playoffs are getting closer by the day, and one Eastern Conference power may have found an intriguing way to bridge the gap between themselves and the top dogs.

The Milwaukee Bucks have largely underperformed this season, but Giannis Antetokounmpo's playmaking might offer them a fighting chance against the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers, or any other Eastern squad they may have to play this spring.

While Giannis is mostly praised for his devastating power downhill and "freakish" athleticism, his recent passing offers real optimism. This trait would become especially critical if Damian Liilard is able to return this season, but could still be an asset that allows others such as Kyle Kuzma and Gary Trent Jr. to make the sort of impact that could move the needle against more complete rosters.

This one devastating Giannis skill will make the Bucks playoff wildcards

Prior to playing on Sunday, the Bucks were 5-5 across their last 10 games. During this stretch, Giannis has averaged 31.1 points and eight assists. On the year, the 30-year-old is averaging 30.5 points and 6.3 dimes.

Whether it is a conscious choice or not, Giannis has been finding more open teammates recently. This became extremely apparent last week when he totaled 35 points, 17 rebounds, and a career-best 20 assists in a historic performance against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Part of what made Giannis' showing so spectacular may have been the way in which he truly shared the basketball. Other than the Athens native himself, no other Buck collected more than 20 points. But Milwaukee ended the night with seven players with double-figure scoring marks.

“When you’re the primary ballhandler, you just have to keep on making good decisions for the team,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “I feel like most of the time, I try to make the best decision for myself or for my teammates.”

Of course, Giannis has naturally handled the ball more with Lillard out. But if the Bucks can harness this brand of playmaking at full strength, it could be a factor that enables them to play spoiler this postseason.

“Doc mentioned this morning and has been mentioning it that Giannis has to think more like a point forward and he’s already built like that, so it’s not too much of a challenge for him,” said Bucks assistant coach Darvin Ham after the game against Philadelphia. “It’s just now him understanding the organization, making sure we’re in the right spots, making sure our timing is on point and the ball is moving when it’s supposed to, on time and on target.”

Boston, Cleveland, and New York might have more pure firepower, but Trent Jr., Kuzma, Taurean Prince, and A.J. Green all have enough shooting prowess to help the Bucks compete in high-scoring affairs.

The Bucks are presently first in the NBA in terms of three-point percentage. Even though they do not attempt the most triples among their peers, Giannis' recent stretch may impact the number of open looks his teammates receive as they attempt to make a deep playoff run.