Subscribe
Follow Us
The Brooklyn Nets are highly favored to boot out the Milwaukee Bucks in their second-round duel. We're seeing the full potential of the Steve Nash-coached squad, especially with their big trio well and healthy. However, we can never underestimate the Bucks and how hungry they are to win that elusive title after several years of heartbreak.
Apart from the chip on their shoulder, the Bucks possess all the weapons to effectively combat the powerhouse Nets squad. Fans and analysts may be underlooking some of them. So let's take a look at the three main reasons the Bucks will upset the Nets in the 2021 NBA Playoffs.
Giannis is the Ultimate Counter to Kevin Durant
There's only a handful of players who can contain Durant one-on-one. One of them is two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak has the lateral quickness to stay in front of the scoring machine. His length, too, will be of value to contest those vintage Durant pull-ups that no one can seem to stop.
In their regular-season matchups, it was Khris Middleton who was given the tall order of guarding the former league MVP. But in those few times where Giannis and Durant were matched up, you can see uncomfortable the Nets forward was. As such, Bucks head coach Mike Budenh0lzer might change his defensive scheme a bit. However, Steve Nash will likely counter this play by switching off Antetokounmpo. But if you're the Bucks, you still have all the reasons to be happy for the mere fact that you have one of the few players who can stop Durant.
Bucks Are More Experienced
There's no doubt about the Nets' potential to win it all given their searing talent. It certainly helps that their big three all have relevant experience under their belt. Durant and Irving know what it takes to win the title. However, for all the hype and excitement surrounding them, let's not forget about the saying: Rome wasn't built in a day.
Individual experience is very different from team experience. And the latter is what the Bucks have and is ultimately their advantage over the Nets. Yes, they have new additions like Jrue Holiday and PJ Tucker. But the core of Giannis, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Donte DiVincenzo, Pat Connaughton, among others, have gone through heaven and hell over the past few seasons.
We've seen their growth in the first round by smashing the Miami Heat, the team which broke their hearts last season. Apart from the players, head coach Mike Budenholzer, too, should be given credit for continuing to tweak his playbook. Steve Nash has proven he has what it takes to be a coach. But Budenholzer will show him that he still has a lot to learn.
Rebounding
The Bucks are the number one rebounding team in the playoffs with 59.0 boards per game. Meanwhile, the Nets are fourth to the last with a lousy 41.6 rebounds per game. One might argue that the playoff numbers are not that reliable just yet. However, regular season stats paint pretty much the same picture. The Bucks were ranked second (48.1) while the Nets were in 14th place (44.4).
To close this gap, head coach Steve Nash will likely insert DeAndre Jordan into the lineup. However, there are lingering questions on his conditioning and overall level of play. Even if he plays, the Bucks have proven they can play transition ball and leave traditional big men like Jordan in the dust.
