Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Thon Maker/Jonas Valanciunas Matchup

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Apr 4, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Thon Maker (7) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense

Thon actually might have an edge over the bigger Valanciunas on the offensive end. Although Valanciunas has some range as far as his jumper goes, it’s nothing compared to Thon’s shooting ability.

Maker can effectively make threes, as he proved by shooting 37.8 percent from distance this season. His 9.9 minutes played per game makes his per game numbers look tiny, but Thon shoots nearly five threes per 36 minutes played.

Size is the biggest difference between Maker and Valanciunas, and that can be used to Thon’s advantage while the Bucks are on offense. Valanciunas isn’t Spencer Hawes slow, but he’s certainly not going to be able to keep up with Maker running around the perimeter.

This is one situation where Thon’s inexperience may actually prove helpful. Valanciunas played over 2,000 minutes this season as a traditional, low-post type of center. Thon played a fraction of those minutes. He should be fresh and ready to go all series, whereas Valanciunas might find himself winded after being asked to keep up with the 19-year-old Maker all night.

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