Milwaukee Bucks: 3 key adjustments needed for the defense – Giannis guarding Jimmy Butler
With Eric Bledsoe out injured (hamstring), the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense was short on one of their key defenders in Game 1. There’s no doubt that helped both Dragic and Butler to exploit the defense.
But for Butler, specifically, the Bucks have better options at their disposal.
Butler was guarded by the likes of Khris Middleton and George Hill for the majority of Game 1. Both are very defenders but they don’t have the defensive skills of Eric Bledsoe or Giannis, or even Wesley Matthews, who was inexplicably benched as Butler went off.
Perhaps when Bledsoe comes back, he could factor into this conversation for late game scenarios, but for now, Giannis should guard Butler. This would be reminiscent of how Kawhi Leonard started to guard him late in last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs.
Throughout most of the game, Giannis was playing as the 5 and guarding near the rim. This will need to change, at least late in the game, so that the DPOY and the Bucks’ best defender is also guarding the best player on the Heat.
It seems that Mike Budenholzer may already be considering this change too, according to Ira Winderman.
Mike Budenholzer, on Giannis potentially guarding Jimmy Butler, "It's certainly a consideration and discussion."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) September 1, 2020
This is very good news that coach Bud is even considering this switch, given he has a reputation and a history of failing to adjust in the postseason.