Both the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat will boast their share of star power when these two teams kick off their first round series Saturday afternoon at Fiserv Forum.
For Milwaukee, the outcome of this series will likely fall onto the shoulders of their leading trio consisting of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. It will be the first time this newly constructed trinity enters the playoffs this season and all eyes will be focused on just how well they perform together on the big stage.
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However, Milwaukee’s star-studded trio will not be enough to get the job done by themselves, no matter how fantastic they will play. Whether or not the Bucks’ reconstructed supporting cast is enough to get the job done has been a recurring conversation all throughout the season and it will be put to the test against the Heat in this series.
If there is one player that can be labeled as the potential X-factor for the Bucks, it is third-year guard Donte DiVincenzo.
Donte DiVincenzo will be the Milwaukee Bucks’ X-factor against the Miami Heat
Although he went through his various rough patches, DiVincenzo had a career year as he transitioned into the starting lineup full-time this season. The 23-year-old has assumed a more prominent role than ever before and he will be placed under a microscope heading into the playoffs for the impact he could potentially have in this upcoming series.
Miami’s game plan will undoubtedly focus on limiting Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Holiday as much as humanly possible. Their best defenders will be tasked with slowing those three down, which means DiVincenzo will need to capitalize when he gets the opportunity.
To his credit, the guard has been solid against Miami by averaging 14.3 points on .438/.524/.667 shooting splits, five rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals in three games this season. He has increased his scoring production significantly in these matchups, with his shooting from behind the arc standing out above the rest. Shooting 11-for-21 (52.4 percent) from distance, DiVincenzo has provided an essential boost from the perimeter with some much-needed floor spacing.
That sweet shooting will be crucial in this playoff series as the Heat build the infamous wall in the post to create a barricade against Antetokounmpo. According to NBA.com/stats, the Heat have the best paint defense in the association by allowing just 41.3 points per game down low. When the two-time MVP finds himself stuck, DiVincenzo will receive his share of kick-out passes from Antetokounmpo, and the guard must make good on those opportunities by knocking in his triples.
Shooting had been a blatant weakness in Milwaukee’s playoff loss to Miami last season, and DiVincenzo’s rejuvenated stroke could be a sizeable boost. As evidenced by his play in the regular season, the guard can improve that shooting against this Heat team and is recently providing optimism that he can keep it consistent heading into the playoffs.
While his contributions on the offensive end will be critical, the Bucks will also need him active defensively. According to NBA.com/stats, DiVincenzo found himself most frequently matched up against Heat guard Tyler Herro this season by guarding him for 18.8 partial possessions. Although the guard held Herro to zero points on 0-for-2 shooting in those three games, he is someone who could heat up in a hurry.
DiVincenzo has flashed signs of incredible defensive potential throughout his three-year stay with the team and they will need it on full display against this Miami team. As a formidable team that loves to shoot the basketball from long range, chasing them off the perimeter will be a key factor for the Bucks in this matchup.
Lastly, he just needs to continue making the hustle plays that he has gotten accustomed to this season. Whether that means diving for a loose ball, skying for an offensive rebound, or whatever other way he can help this team, the guard has proven that he can impact the game in ways other than scoring.
For everything that he brings to the table, Donte DiVincenzo will be the X-factor for the Bucks against the Heat. That undoubtedly places extra pressure on his shoulders at just 23-years-old, but the opportunity is something he will embrace.