Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from 117-114 win over Brooklyn Nets
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks dominate the paint in win over Nets
A big question for the Nets all season has been whether their defense is good enough for them to outduel a team in a seven-game set, particularly close to the basket. With Antetokounmpo being one of the best scorers in the restricted area this season, it would be interesting to see how they would defend him.
Big man Deandre Jordan did a solid job of slowing down Antetokounmpo in their first meeting of the season back in January, but it was far different this time around. The two-time MVP scored a whopping 28 of his 49 points in the paint as he muscled his way to the basket time and time again against Jordan and a variety of other Brooklyn defenders.
Antetokounmpo’s heroic efforts helped the Bucks outscore the Nets 48-32 in the paint, which will continue to be a hot topic moving forward. Teams in the past have defeated the Bucks by walling off the paint and forcing Antetokounmpo to shoot outside shots, but as evidenced by this contest, the Nets might not be as well-equipped to do that.
If fate has Milwaukee and Brooklyn face down the line in the playoffs, Giannis taking advantage of the opposition’s lacking presence in the middle could be the key for a major upset.
Next. Who are the Bucks' biggest X-factors with playoffs nearing?. dark
For now, the Bucks are certainly happy to have gotten the win, and they will aim to make it two straight as they take on the Nets again Tuesday. That will be a pivotal game for seeding purposes, and you can catch the action at 6:30 P.M. CST on TNT as well as on Bally Sports Wisconsin for those living locally.