3 biggest concerns for Milwaukee Bucks with series tied 1-1 vs Celtics

3 biggest concerns for Milwaukee Bucks – 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shooting struggles

Throughout the first two initial games of this second-round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, the Celtics have done a fascinating job of containing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominant interior scoring ability.

As Antetokounmpo’s primary defender, Al Horford continues to bother him with his strength, physicality, awareness, stability, and large frame. When defended by Horford this series, the two-time MVP is shooting 27.3 percent from the field on 22 attempts, per StatMuse. Horford has also forced five turnovers against him.

Boston’s defense continues to excel after finishing with the top Defensive Rating in the league across the regular season, and Al Horford’s defensive prowess at center has been a main reason why. Of course, the versatile pack of defenders that the Celtics have at every position stands out the most, and together, they’re limiting Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring efficiency.

Grant Williams has maximized his opportunities off the bench when given the defensive assignments on Antetokounmpo, Marcus Smart has shown he’s capable of defending big man superstars like Giannis, Jayson Tatum’s versatility speaks volumes, and Robert Williams III is a terrific help-side defender in the paint.

As a group, the Celtics are confining Antetokounmpo’s interior scoring, and it could lead to the reigning Finals MVP drifting toward becoming more of a playmaker rather than a downhill scorer in this series down the road.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is shooting 38.4 percent from the floor against Boston this series after shooting 55.3 percent during the regular season. The Greek Freak’s inefficient scoring struggles could be a concern for the Milwaukee Bucks for the remainder of this heavyweight series.