Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

Analyzing the biggest playoff X-factor for each Milwaukee Bucks starter

By Dalton Sell

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Amway Center on December 30, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 30: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 and Jrue Holiday #21 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at Amway Center on December 30, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Wesley Matthews
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 26 (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Wesley Matthews’ 3-point shooting will be his biggest playoff X-factor with the Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks inserted Wesley Matthews into the starting lineup down the stretch this season due to the defensive expertise he brings to the table. He is almost guaranteed to remain a starter against the Bulls so that the Bucks can place him on DeMar DeRozan right from the opening tip, which will be a crucial matchup in this series. Matthews will earn hefty playoff minutes due to his defensive contributions, but his biggest X-factor is whether or not he can knock down his shots on the other side of the basketball.

Given that Matthews is the fifth scoring option in Milwaukee’s starting five, they will not rely too heavily on his contributions offensively. However, when the swingman does occasionally get the chance to let it fly from behind the arc, hitting it could make a massive difference, especially if he can continue shooting it as well as he has lately. Since becoming a full-time starter, Matthews is shooting 38.1 percent from 3-point range, which is a welcoming sign, given that he is shooting a subpar 33.8 percent on the season, the second-worst mark of his NBA career. Being bumped up into the starting lineup could be just what he needs to establish a groove, especially with who he will be playing alongside.

When teams inevitably wall of the paint to try and stop Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, or whomever from scoring inside, Matthews will get his share of wide-open looks on the perimeter. This was on full display during the regular season, but Matthews struggled to capitalize on these looks, particularly when the passes came from Antetokounmpo and Holiday. Per NBA.com/stats, Matthews shot 10-of-42 (23.8 percent) off passes via Antetokounmpo and 9-of-31 (29 percent) off passes from Holiday during the regular season, which certainly hindered his overall production.

As a full-time starter, the looks be plentiful, and if Matthews can knock them down while playing robust defense on the other end, it would be a tremendous boost for the Milwaukee Bucks.

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