Milwaukee Bucks: 3 X-factors for playoff series with Brooklyn Nets

P.J. Tucker will be an X-factor for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Brooklyn Nets

Sticking with the theme and importance of defense in this series, P.J. Tucker will have eyes glued to him throughout this series.

The veteran has carved out a steady role for himself on the defensive end since being traded to the Bucks in a surprising move during the regular season. Making a career off being one of the most robust defenders in the association, Tucker was a significant addition for the Bucks, and his presence will be critical for Milwaukee in this series in trying to slow down Brooklyn’s collection of talent on the offensive end.

The 36-year-old’s primary assignment will likely be guarding Kevin Durant and giving a breather to whoever was doing so before him. A four-time scoring champion, Durant has asserted himself as one of the most prolific scorers to ever play the game, and Tucker has a long history of defending the seven-footer dating back to the epic postseason clashes between Tucker’s Houston Rockets and Durant’s Golden State Warriors.

While stopping Durant is virtually impossible even for the best defenders, Tucker is someone who can make things challenging for the former league MVP. Yet, Tucker’s presence has made the Bucks more keen to switching defensively, meaning the veteran could see time against any of these talented offensive pieces, which will be a massive relief for Milwaukee.

Offensively, the Bucks could stand to get more 3-point shooting from the veteran, who has been deemed one of the best corner shooters to ever suit up. Shooting just 2-of-7 from deep over four games against Miami, that aspect of his game was not clicking. Nevertheless, his primary task with be playing top-notch defense against some of the best to ever play, and if he does that, we can overlook that lack of shooting.