The Phoenix Suns have one key strategy to stop Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and that's their “wall” defense. However, for it to be effective, Torrey Craig said they have to be locked in.
Despite employing the wall defense, Antetokounmpo still had 41 points in Game 3 followed by 26 in Game 4 to help the Bucks tie the series at 2-2.
“Your awareness has to be at an all-time high. It’s the Finals, so we have to be super locked in and super focused when he gets the ball,” Craig said on what the Suns need to do on their wall defense for Giannis, per Gina Mizell. “(You have to be focused on) who you’re guarding and your position on the court, in transition, sprinting back, making sure he’s seeing bodies.”
The Suns will have another opportunity to use their wall defense on Saturday when they play Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks. However, the pressure is on them to deliver as they play at home with a crucial advantage on the line.
If the Bucks win, it could spell doom for the Suns since Game 6 will be in Milwaukee. A loss will also signify that their “wall defense” is not enough to stop the freak of nature that is Giannis.
With that said, the Suns better listen to Craig's advice on what they need to do to truly limit Antetokounmpo's impact on the game. He is the biggest thorn on the side of Phoenix, and stopping him will decide whether Phoenix wins the NBA Finals or not,