Milwaukee Bucks: 3 trends that need to cease in Game 4 against Nets

The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need to capitalize at the free throw line

Milwaukee’s point total throughout these first few contests has been hindered drastically by their horrendous free throw shooting.

The Bucks are 27-of-47 (57.4 percent) from the stripe in these first three games, leaving a whopping 20 points unscored. It is no secret that this team is a lackluster free throw shooting team, as they struggled mightily with it all throughout the regular season, but these numbers could potentially cost them a game or even the series if they continue.

As one might guess, Antetokounmpo is responsible for the lion’s share of these issues at the stripe. He is just 6-of-19 from the line over these first three games, with Game 3 highlighting some of the major issues afoot. Shooting 4-of-9 from the line, Antetokounmpo had his share of lowlights including an air-balled free throw attempt a 10-second violation that stripped him of an opportunity to put an extra point on the board.

This was the second time this postseason that he has gotten called for the violation and it appears the refs will start cracking down on him. What that might mean for Antetokounmpo’s sacred routine is currently up in the air, but he must not let it get to his head. Knocking down those shots could make a world of difference in this series as the Bucks have been scavenging for points left and right. Although they are far from his strong suit, they are called free throws for a reason.

Given how Game 3 played out, those free throws proved crucial in the end, and it is not far-fetched to believe this could come up again.