Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks infamously flamed out of the playoffs against the Miami Heat in the bubble, with Jimmy Butler outplaying the 2019-20 MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the five-game series. The Greek Freak didn't spend all that much time trying to guard Butler despite the Heat star roasting the Bucks, even admitting he didn't ask to take on that assignment defensively after Game 1.
Things were different in Saturday's Game 1, which saw Milwaukee pull out a 109-107 victory in overtime thanks to Khris Middleton's game-winning jumper. While Butler got the better of Antetokounmpo on the last play of regulation to force overtime, the Heat star shot just 4-of-22 from the field in a game that saw Giannis act as the primary Jimmy defender. The Bucks star is now relishing the opportunity to shut down Butler.
Via Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel:
“Obviously, a great player, the ball is going to be in his hand a lot, going to make a lot of plays, going to shoot it a lot,” said Antetokounmpo, who, according to NBA tracking data, limited Butler to 2-of-6 shooting. “He draws a lot of attention and you’ve got to be ready to go against him. But, I love the challenge.”
Antetokounmpo acknowledged he didn't get the chance to guard Butler much last year:
“Last year I didn’t have the chance to guard him as much,” Antetokounmpo said. “This year, you know, I’m up for the challenge and I’m here to compete, I’m here to help my team win. Obviously, a great player and you’ve got to be extremely locked in against him, and that’s what I’m going to try to do.”
Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer is taking a page out of Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel's book with this strategy. Vogel turned to Anthony Davis to guard Butler during the 2020 NBA Finals.
Butler, Erik Spoelstra and the Heat will have to make their own adjustments in Game 2 and beyond.
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