Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 116-92 Game 3 win over Boston Celtics
By William Wang
Switching defense flips the switch
After giving up 120 points to the Celtics in Game 2, the Bucks needed answers on defense. Missing starting center John Henson in Game 3, one of their best rim protectors, the road ahead seemed even more difficult.
The Bucks responded with a 103.7 defensive rating in Game 3, on par with the best defenses in the league. The standout performance can be attributed to three main factors: a switching-style defense, Thon Maker, and improved across-the-board defensive focus.
Milwaukee had already made an adjustment at the beginning of the series, playing more conservatively than their typical aggressive trapping defense. They had already begun to switch some more, a tactic that makes sense with their versatile and long defenders.
However, Game 3 saw an increased emphasis on switching just about everything. It worked. The Celtics struggled to create out of their common offensive actions. Lacking strong indivdiual shot creators and makers, they struggled to score.
Maker was key to the switching scheme working effectively. Maker was able to successfully defend non-bigs when switched onto them. Thus, the Bucks did not need to worry about switches involving their center.
Switching made sense strategically, but in and of itself it does not lead to better defense. The Bucks’ players executed well though, looking much more fluid than they had appeared in a while.
Players communicated and flowed as one connected unit rather than distinct individuals. They demonstrated strong awareness to close any gaps that opened and make the proper rotations.
When the Celtics tried to attack potential mismatches, Bucks’ defenders responded with physical defense in the offensive player’s face, causing disruption and forcing Celtics to make plays that they often were not up to the task of making.
The adjustments will come from Boston again, and the Bucks will have to be ready.
Next: Win In 6 Podcast #205: What needs to change in Game 3
The Bucks will remain at the BMO Harris Bradley Center to play Game 4 against the Celtics on Sunday afternoon at 12pm Central Time.