Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has been as close to a non-factor as there can be at this stage of the game, failing to close out in fourth quarters the way a true MVP finalist should.
During Games 4 and 5 against the Toronto Raptors, The Greek Freak's lack of shooting and ability to create shots for himself without driving to the basket have been in full display, as the following stats show.
Not only has Giannis Antetokounmpo been bottled up by two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard in the past few games, but the Raptors have become a true fortress in the paint late in games, forcing the Bucks' supporting cast to make plays.
Antetokounmpo is at his best when he is in the open court, galloping his way into a bucket — but if there is something the playoffs does is stop the transition game with tactical fouls and maximum urgency to get back on defense before the break gets started.
The Bucks star has seen the difference that makes and has been severely limited to being a defender and a playmaker for his team, unable to help them in the scoring department.
Given that Antetokounmpo's scoring unlocks everything else for his game, the Raptors have clamped down on his drives and made him a lot less efficient, which has only brought more attention to his lackluster shooting ability — one that can eventually lose them the series.
Leonard combines tactical defense with great physicality, giving Antetokounmpo more than just a run for his money, but a nightmare defender that has reduced him to an average player when it counts the most.