Milwaukee Bucks: 3 key adjustments going into Game 2 of Brooklyn Nets series

The Milwaukee Bucks need to reassess their defensive assignments ahead of Game 2

Continuing the trend of looking at the differences from the first round series, the defensive rotations changed in this game.

The major shocker was Giannis Antetokounmpo’s responsibilities, who had shown immense potential and versatility guarding the opponent’s best player in Jimmy Butler last series. Instead of having Giannis as the primary defender on Durant, Budenholzer decided to put P.J. Tucker on Durant instead.

Tucker ended up guarding Durant for 28.9 partial possessions, while Antetokounmpo did it for only 6.7. Giannis’ primary assignments were Bruce Brown and Blake Griffin, which made him a mere spectator as Durant and Irving wreaked havoc from midrange.

On top of some defensive mismatches, Milwaukee’s inactive offense led to an overall drop in energy and led to many basic defensive mistakes, like doubling Griffin at the 3-point line as well as easy cuts for Brown and Irving.

Ever since Harden left the game, the Nets reduced their size by having played Mike James and Irving at the 2-guard spots. The Bucks should look at adjusting their size too in conjunction to better guard Brooklyn. Pat Connaughton should be a better alternative to Jeff Teague in key stretches of the game.

Much tighter and more well defined defensive assignments will be required from Coach Bud if the Bucks look to slow down Brooklyn’s offense and give themselves a chance to come out of large deficits.

Swapping Tucker with Antetokounmpo will be huge defensively as it will provide an excellent on-ball defender on Durant while still maintaining switchability & double-teaming opportunities since Brown is not a huge offensive threat. Holiday and Middleton will have to also commit more on defense to slow down the Nets.