Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from ugly Game 1 loss to Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young brutally sinks the Milwaukee Bucks in dominant fashion in Game 1

Milwaukee’s highest priority heading into this series was doing everything possible to slow down Trae Young. Atlanta’s star point guard had been phenomenal throughout the first two rounds of the postseason, but he undoubtedly clocked in his best effort yet last night.

The 22-year-old was sensational by scoring 48 points on 17-of-34 shooting, while also dishing out 11 assists and grabbing seven rebounds. Time and time again Young exploited Milwaukee’s often flawed drop-back scheme defensively, getting looks at easy floaters – his signature move – practically whenever he wanted. Although he shot just 4-of-13 from deep on the night, the guard can also heave it from the logo and knock it in, leaving the Bucks in a bind defensively to which they had no answer.

On a team with defensive personnel consisting of reputable names like Jrue Holiday, P.J. Tucker, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, that cannot happen. Holiday will undoubtedly see the bulk of the minutes against Young as this series progresses, and it remains a tall order for him to keep the budding star in check. Yet, Holiday has claimed his place as one of the best defenders in the association, and it is time to prove it.

Another quick and simple fix would be keeping Jeff Teague as far from Young as humanly possible defensively. After primarily being glued to the bench last round, Teague returned to the lineup and played just over five-and-a-half minutes in this one. Yet, his playing time consisted of being carved up by Young on the defensive end. Let’s not try that one again.