The Milwaukee Bucks looked like they were cruising to yet another victory at halftime of Game 5 against the Brooklyn Nets. They were up by 16 points and firing on all cylinders. Then once the second half rolled around, Milwaukee was absolutely dreadful. The team couldn't score for their lives, letting Kevin Durant single-handily beat them.
Okay, don't get me wrong. KD was in his bag, dropping 49 points and willing the Nets over the finish line. But first off, Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to be guarding him. Second, the Greek Freak must step up when it matters. Sure, he had 34 points and 12 boards, but Giannis missed a chance to tie the game in the dying seconds and choked on numerous free throws that proved to be costly. This is what superstars do. They rise to the occasion when their team needs them. He's not doing that for the Bucks.
It's certainly not all his fault. No one on Milwaukee could hit a shot in the last two periods but it comes back to Antetokounmpo. The ball is almost always going to be in his or Khris Middleton's hands. Giannis has to be a whole lot better in Game 6 and limit the mistakes.
Also, the Bucks are literally playing against Durant and a one-legged James Harden. The Beard surprisingly played on Tuesday night but offered minimal production due to his hamstring injury. While Jeff Green did have a big game for Brooklyn in Game 4, it will come down to stopping KD on Thursday.
He's going to drop 30+. It's just what Durant does. But opting to not put Antetokounmpo on him is a huge mistake. No one on this Bucks roster has the size and length to actually guard KD. Mike Budenholzer has to make this change because it's pretty much the only way Milwaukee will have any hope at avoiding elimination.
Follow Us
Subscribe