Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players underperforming versus the Brooklyn Nets

Giannis Antetokounmpo has underperformed for the Milwaukee Bucks in matchup with Brooklyn Nets

The first two games of this series have been puzzling performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo as he and the Bucks have struggled.

Although he is averaging a reputable 26 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists, it has been far from his best work. As previously highlighted in detail, the two-time MVP is dominating close to the basket by shooting a near-perfect 14-of-15 from the restricted area over these first two games. Yet, he continues settling for outside jumpers and questionable 3-point attempts with an early shot clock instead of bullying his way inside for an easy bucket. It’s been grueling to watch for the Bucks and almost worthy of turning off the television entirely.

It does not help that Giannis is shooting just 2-of-10 from the free throw line in these two games. We have seen the highs and the lows with his shooting from the stripe before, but he is currently locked into a mental battle that could potentially be hindering his confidence to go inside and dominate in a way that the NBA world has gotten so accustomed to seeing nightly. The Nets have done a great job of limiting Antetokounmpo without question by hounding him defensively, but as he proved in the regular season, he can plow through this defense at will.

Antetokounmpo admitted postgame following Monday night’s blowout that he needs to be more aggressive in scoring the basketball. He has played rather passive, almost cautious basketball over these first two games, but he must flip the script and get back to his dominant ways before it is too late, if not already. He has underperformed mightily over these first two games, but an optimist should expect an aggressive Antetokounmpo coming out of the gates in Game 3.