Milwaukee Bucks: Potential turning points in Boston Celtics series

Somebody takes the pressure off Giannis

Even if Giannis does go into full world-killer mode, the Bucks will likely need contributions from somewhere else. More accurately, someone else. Khris Middleton will have to be good. Still, it feels like this could be Eric Bledsoe’s time to really shine as a member of the Bucks.

Bledsoe has not been to the playoffs since he was a backup on the LA Clippers. He’s doubtlessly excited to get to the postseason now that he’s more than a role player. Based on his last few weeks of play, the Bledshow is ready for its biggest episode yet.

Although season averages of 17.8 points, 5.1 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game with the Bucks are not shabby, Bledsoe has been standing out lately as Milwaukee closed the regular season.

Discounting Milwaukee’s slaughter at the hands of the 76ers in which he played just 11 minutes, Bledsoe’s last 20 games of the regular season saw him average 19.4 points, 6.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 2.0 steals while shooting 51.3 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from deep. Those are star numbers, akin to what Jrue Holiday is doing with the New Orleans Pelicans in a stellar season for him.

Bledsoe keeping up that level of play–or even improving on it, somehow–would give the Bucks a significantly better shot at beating Boston. Giannis’ job gets easier with every other threat the Bucks have on offense. Bledsoe could be an X-factor in this series, love him or hate him.