The Milwaukee Bucks dropped Game 1 of their best-of-seven East semifinal affair against the Miami Heat on Monday, and Giannis Antetokounmpo bore the brunt of the blame.

The newly-crowned Defensive Player of the Year and reigning Most Valuable Player was limited to just 18 points on 6-12 shooting from the field and 2-for-5 from past the arc, as Miami ran away with a convincing 115-104 win. While Giannis Antetokounmpo also scattered 10 rebounds, nine assists, one steal, and one block, his dreadful free-throw shooting in Game 1 caught the ire of fans and pundits alike.

Giannis Antetokounmpo only made four of his 12 trips from the charity stripe (33.3 percent). Moreover, he missed crucial free throws in the closing minutes of the final canto.

Despite his struggles from the line in Game 1, don't expect the 4-time All-Star to change his free-throw shooting mechanics come Game 2 on Wednesday. Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters postgame that he will stick with his shooting routine.

“Take five dribbles and I shoot it, miss or make. Take five dribbles and shoot it again,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said, per Washington Post's Ben Golliver. 

While Miami's two-way superstar Jimmy Butler unleashed 40 markers and took over in the fourth, Giannis Antetokounmpo pretty much disappeared when his team needed him most.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo registered absurd averages of 30 points and 16 rebounds in Milwaukee's 5-game gentleman's sweep of the Orlando Magic in the first round. Judging by how his poor play greatly affected his team's chances on Monday, a bounce-back game will be in order for Giannis to give his team an opportunity to tie the series.

The Greek Freak has already been criticized in the past for being dominant in the regular season but failing to display the same form come playoff time. The Bucks will indeed be in deep trouble if Antetokounmpo's struggles persist.

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