Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in pivotal Game 3 versus Brooklyn Nets
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks must have a pulse from 3-point territory against the Brooklyn Nets
Averaging 62 points in the paint over these first two games, the Bucks have done most of their damage closer to the basket. Given the Nets’ lack of a genuine enforcer in the paint, it is a great strategy, but this team has been forced to go inside because they cannot throw a rock in the ocean from 3-point territory to this point.
The Bucks have shot a collective 14-of-57 (24.6 percent) from behind the arc over these two games, unable to find any momentum. Floor spacing is a key element for this Milwaukee team. As evidenced by their previous postseason failures, this team is oftentimes doomed when that outside shot is not falling with any consistency. That could certainly prove true once more if the Bucks continue struggling to get anything to fall from deep, even if their main priority should be attacking the basket.
Two players in particular that the team desperately needs to get going are Khris Middleton and Bryn Forbes. Middleton has gone ice cold to begin this series as he is 3-of-13 from 3-point range, proving to be a liability on the offensive end in Games 1 and 2. Finding some consistency from distance would be a massive boost for the forward’s confidence and the team’s success. The same goes for Forbes, who is currently just 3-of-9 from the perimeter in this matchup. The sharpshooter was Milwaukee’s hero in their first round series against the Miami Heat because of that sweet-shooting, but it appears that momentum has faded away.
The Bucks need an efficient shooting night from 3-point territory against the Nets to get their confidence rolling once more. While they will undoubtedly continue to let the shots fly, seeing a few go in the basket would be a welcoming sign in this crucial Game 3.