Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing 3 key matchups in series vs. Miami Heat

Milwaukee Bucks: Analyzing 3 key matchups in series vs. Miami Heat – Adebayo vs. Antetokounmpo

We start with the heavy hitters and the very matchup that will arguably dictate the trajectory of the series between the Bucks and the Miami Heat.

We all know the credentials of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and judging by his play in the Bucks’ first round series with the Orlando Magic, he’s absolutely dialed in and has taken his production and efficiency up a notch.

Meanwhile, Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo presents an interesting challenge for Antetokounmpo as he possesses some of the very qualities and skill set that makes both players incredibly valuable to their respective teams. And it’s Adebayo who certainly stands in the way of Antetokounmpo running amok on the Heat’s interior defense on his way to the basket.

To that point, Adebayo matched up on Antetokounmpo for 52 partial possessions over the Bucks’ three games with the Heat during the regular season and limited Antetokounmpo to 28 points on 12-of-28 shooting from the field, three turnovers and only committed two shooting fouls, per NBA.com/stats.

Combine that with the fact that the Heat allowed 44.1 opposing paint points per game and ranked behind the Bucks by allowing the second-fewest opponent shots at the rim during the regular season only further cements how big of a defensive presence Adebayo is for them.

With the reigning MVP driving to the rack as well as he has been all season long so far during these playoffs, a lot rides on Adebayo being able to match Antetokounmpo shot for shot when protecting the basket.