Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing Giannis Antetokounmpo/Al Horford matchup
By Adam McGee
Defense
When the All-NBA teams are released at the end of the season, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see both Antetokounmpo and Horford earn consideration in the All-Defense category.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the most complete defenders in the NBA, and when he’s locked in and focused, as he’ll likely be in the playoffs, it’s almost impossible to pick out any holes in that department of his game.
Antetokounmpo has been able to terrorize wings with his high-pressure defense and long, active limbs for a couple of seasons now, but having added more bulk to his frame he’s now adept at battling bigger forwards and even some centers too.
The Greek superstar will be called upon to offer rim protection for the Bucks, but he’ll also pick off passes in the passing lanes and look to pick up easy points in transition.
Although he now spends most of his time at power forward, Horford boasts a rare level of versatility for a player who has spent the majority of his career at center.
In fact, it’s the combination of defensive assets that Horford has to offer that makes him one of the players in the league that’s best equipped to make things difficult for Antetokounmpo.
With the levels of play the 23-year-old has reached over the past couple of seasons, it’s close to impossible to stop Antetokounmpo, but slowing him down can make a significant difference.
Horford has a chance to do that as he’s mobile enough to push right up on Antetokounmpo, even when he’s bringing the ball up court, therefore denying him a chance to build up a head of steam on frequent drives.
In previous matchups, the Celtics have then packed the paint behind Horford to offer further insurance to Antetokounmpo’s greatest threat. Horford’s combined strength and length also factors into making things difficult for Antetokounmpo on occasions when he initiates contact with the Dominican veteran.
To put it simply, there are players who are faster, stronger and longer than Horford, but there are few if any who have the combined competency that he has in all three departments. It’s not going to guarantee Antetokounmpo doesn’t go off, but it does mean he’ll be made to work hard.