Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in pivotal Game 3 versus Brooklyn Nets
By Dalton Sell
The Milwaukee Bucks need their stars to step up against the Brooklyn Nets
After excelling in round one, Milwaukee’s star players have not exactly lived up the hype in this heavyweight matchup with Brooklyn.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has looked devoid of confidence at times offensively, playing into the earlier theme of turnovers. He continues settling for questionable jump shots on the offensive end, including a barrage of early shot clock triples that are disheartening to watch as the Bucks struggle to put points on the scoreboard.
To secure a Game 3 victory tonight, Antetokounmpo needs to shake off the end result of these first two games and get back to being his old dominant self. With a familiar foe in Blake Griffin primarily defending him, Giannis must get aggressive and look to bully him close to the hoop rather than settle for an outside jumper that the Nets are begging him to take on every possession down the floor. Currently shooting an awful 2-of-8 on triples thus far, Antetokounmpo might want to rethink the decision to pull up when there are double-digits left on the shot clock.
The Bucks will also need Middleton to find a groove offensively after an abysmal start to the series. The forward has started off by scoring a measly 30 total points over the first two games while shooting an abysmal 13-of-43 from the floor. This included an 0-of-8 shooting start in Game 2, where Middleton could not get anything to drop consistently. Likely hearing the noise from the outside world about his pitiful performances in consecutive games, Middleton should look to be aggressive from the opening tip and Game 3 and establish an immediate groove.
Brooklyn’s star duo of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving has been on fire throughout this series, and Milwaukee’s top two have not matched that ferocity. If Milwaukee’s tandem cannot get it together and bounce back in Game 3, it will be the final blow to their hopes in this series.
Next. Milwaukee Bucks: 3 players underperforming versus the Brooklyn Nets. dark
It is do-or-die time for the Bucks as they take on the Nets tonight at Fiserv Forum. With Milwaukee looking to bounce back, it should be thrilling, and you can catch the action at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN.