Milwaukee Bucks: 3 trends that must continue as series shifts to Miami

The Milwaukee Bucks must continue outdueling the Miami Heat in the paint

Circling back to the Bucks’ dominant efforts close to the basket, they have been a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor in the paint.

Offensively, Milwaukee has done damage close to the basket by scoring an average of 51 points in the paint over the course of these first two games. That number far beyond the typical 41.3 points that Miami allowed per game during the regular season, which was the best mark in the association for a formidable post defense.

A massive factor in this success down low has been Antetokounmpo’s success as he continues figuring out Miami’s defense that hindered him in the playoffs just one season ago.

According to NBA.com/stats, Giannis has been getting to the rim frequently and capitalizing on the opportunity this time around by shooting 20-of-28 (71.4 percent) from the restricted area. If he has indeed figured out how to break through that wall defense set up by Miami, then there is no slowing down the two-time MVP, but it seems certain that they will look to implement new schemes for these upcoming games to combat his success.

Defensively, the Bucks have held the Heat in check down low by surrendering an average of just 34 points over the first two contests. That is 10 points below Miami’s regular season quota, largely because of how they have limited Adebayo close to the hoop. The Bucks have prevented the big man from getting to the basket as he is shooting 4-of-8 from the restricted area. Outside of the restricted in the paint, Adebayo has shot an abysmal 4-of-14, which is certainly a strong testament to the team’s relentless efforts to keep him at bay.

Protecting the paint while also exploiting the Heat’s defense on the opposite end of the floor will be crucial over these next two games.