Milwaukee Bucks: 3 keys to victory in Game 7 against the Brooklyn Nets

Everything is on the line as the Milwaukee Bucks are set to square off against the Brooklyn Nets in a Game 7 tonight at the Barclays Center.

The Bucks got to this point after handling their business at Fiserv Forum in Game 6 with a 104-89 victory Thursday night. With their backs against the wall, this team came out of the tunnel with a purpose and never trailed from start to finish as they handed the Nets a 15-point defeat. With their season hanging in the balance, the Bucks will aim to keep things consistent and close out the series tonight.

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This series has been a back-and-forth battle between these two teams over the first six games, with the home team winning each matchup to this point.

That does not bode well for the Bucks as they hit the road with hopes of advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, but they certainly have what it takes to pull off the upset in a do-or-die Game 7. With that being said, here are three keys to a Bucks’ victory in tonight’s matchup with the Nets.

The Milwaukee Bucks must dominate the paint in Game 7 against Brooklyn Nets

One clear advantage for the Bucks in this series was their size difference over the Nets, and many questioned whether that lopsidedness would be the tipping point on the scale.

With towering players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis, the mindset for this team from the beginning should have focused on attacking the rim. Yet, they have not exactly capitalized on this mismatch to perfection throughout the series. Giannis fell in love with outside shots early on, seemingly losing his freight train-esque confidence when given a chance to attack inside. However, he got back his roots in Game 6 as the Greek Freak did not attempt a single outside jumper, sticking to his much more efficient shots close to the hoop.

Another player who has relied heavily on 3-pointers in this series is Lopez, who is just 8-of-23 throughout the first six games in the series. The big man made a living in this league as a lethal scoring threat in the post, and the Bucks should look to have him work more on the inside rather than heaving a triple in this pivotal Game 7. Lastly, one particular player’s shot selection that will be worth watching is Jrue Holiday. The guard had fans pulling their hair out during Thursday’s matchup as he continuously shot heavily contested stepback triples rather than working his way close to the basket. Finishing an abysmal 1-of-10 from deep, Holiday must reconsider his persistence to shoot from the perimeter and instead bully his way inside.

With the Bucks shooting just 28 percent from behind the arc in this series, attacking the paint has been the only thing keeping them alive. Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and the rest of the supporting cast must look to inflict damage close to the basket rather than taking a barrage of triples. The strategy worked in Game 6, and they must look to keep it consistent in Game 7.