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

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mid-range shooting will be his biggest playoff X-factor with the Milwaukee Bucks

Year after year, opposing teams have walled off the paint defensively in an attempt to try and slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo in the postseason. While this did not deter the Greek Freak during a historically great title run last season, Milwaukee’s opponents will try to pack the paint as much as possible once again to try and prevent him from dominating close to the rim. Opponents want him to shoot as many jumpers as possible, and if Antetokounmpo can hit those shots with some level of consistency, particularly in the mid-range, it would make him even more unguardable.

Antetokounmpo’s improvement as a shooter was on display throughout the regular season as he shot 85-of-205 (41.5 percent) in the mid-range this year. That percentage was a new career-high for the 27-year-old, and it worked wonders for his production as it helped him average 29.9 points per contest, also a career-high. The Greek Freak still bulldozed his way to the rim with consistency, but with this mid-range jumper mixed in every so often, he kept his defenders on their toes, which could make a significant difference in the playoffs. If Antetokounmpo could hover near 40 percent in the postseason, it could throw a wrench in the opposing team’s gameplan defensively.

This significant improvement in the mid-range is just the latest display of how Antetokounmpo has worked hard to continue developing his game offensively. Giannis has appeared comfortable taking this shot all season long, and deservingly so, given the work he has put in. He must carry that confidence over into the postseason, as it would greatly benefit the Milwaukee Bucks.

Be sure to catch the Milwaukee Bucks in action against the Chicago Bulls this coming Sunday.