Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Giannis Antetokounmpo/Al Horford matchup

Offense

While Al Horford is a well-rounded and versatile offensive player for his size, he’s nowhere near as dynamic as Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Horford can operate in the post and around the rim with a handy variety of hook shots and floaters, but that’s not out of the ordinary for skilled big men. What really separates Horford from much of his competition are the things he can do that many of the league’s other power forwards and centers can’t.

For one, Horford is a sensational passer and is comfortable in making plays for teammates when called upon. With Kyrie Irving missing through injury, that’s something he may be asked to do at times against the Bucks, and whether that’s passing out of the post, creating in the half court or even finding teammates in transition, Horford can do it all.

Another standout element of Horford’s game is his shooting. During his time with the Atlanta Hawks, Horford was one of the very best mid-range shooters in the NBA. In the time since, he’s gradually adjusted his game to match up to changes around the league and his hard work has paid off. Horford passed 40 percent on a meaningful number of three-point attempts for the first time in his career this season, finishing up at 42.9 percent from deep overall.

That strength of Horford’s may be Antetokounmpo’s only remaining weakness.

Giannis does occasionally show signs of a competent three-point shot — he shot 40 percent or better for the months of January and March — but what he has already proven is that a shot from deep is by no means essential for him to be a dominant offensive player.

Antetokounmpo is an incredibly skilled finisher, and his length and athleticism allow him to be within range of a finger roll, or even a dunk, from further away from the basket than almost any other player in the NBA.

When he gets into those kind of positions, the Greek Freak is close to unstoppable. For reference, he shot 70.2 percent from inside five feet this season. Antetokounmpo is similarly devastating when he gets out in transition, meaning opposing teams simply can’t afford to let Giannis see open court in front of him.

Beyond that, Antetokounmpo is an incredibly skilled and willing passer who will have no problem in finding a teammate if they find themselves on any kind of hot streak.

In assessing the bottom line of the offensive matchup between Antetokounmpo and Horford, for as talented as Boston’s power forward is, he doesn’t come close to boasting the kind of game-changing influence that Giannis has displayed throughout the last two seasons.