Boston Celtics center Al Horford is keenly aware that the Milwaukee Bucks team they will face this team is vastly different from the 2018 version they were able to beat out in the first round of the postseason.
“The way that they’re playing, it’s night and day from last year,” said Al Horford, according to Jay King of The Athletic.
The Bucks were devoid of outside shooting besides a sharpshooting Khris Middleton, who actually proved the catalyst in a seven-game series against a Kyrie Irving-less Celtics team.
Ultimately it was Brad Stevens' coaching and the spark from youngsters like Jayson Tatum and Terry Rozier that eventually catapulted the Celtics to the next round.
The Bucks not only have fortified their starting lineup with the inclusion of Brook Lopez at center, a shot-blocking 7-footer that can space the floor with his 3-point shooting, but they've added a core of players that complement star Giannis Antetokounmpo to a tee — something that clearly reflected in their NBA-leading 60-22 record this season.
Milwaukee's 23.5 net rating is also the second-best first-round net rating since the NBA went to an opening-round best-of-7 series in 2003, according to NBA Stats (h/t Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY Sports).
Horford will have his hands full chasing down Lopez and keeping other capable long-range snipers from finding a rhythm throughout the series.
Surely this revamped version of the Bucks will pose a different challenge for the Celtics, who also managed to sweep their way out of the first round with an impressive 4-0 series showing against a tough-minded Indiana Pacers team.
Follow Us
Subscribe