3 biggest concerns for Milwaukee Bucks with series tied 1-1 vs Celtics
3 biggest concerns for Milwaukee Bucks – 3. Lack of production from the role players
Heading into this matchup, the role players were always going to be a main storyline for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially with Khris Middleton reportedly out for the entire series with an MCL tear in his right knee.
Other than bona fide superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and two-way stud Jrue Holiday, the Bucks need efficient contributions from their supporting cast, specifically on the offensive end. While the role players stepped up for Milwaukee in Game 1, that wasn’t the case in Game 2.
Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton were the only other Bucks to score in double-figures along with Antetokounmpo and Holiday during Tuesday night’s loss. Each had 13 points while others such as Brook Lopez, Grayson Allen, and Wesley Matthews were silent for the most part offensively.
Allen has been a bright spot during Middleton’s absence as the Bucks have utilized him in Middleton’s spots on the court to get him open looks and more opportunities with the ball in his hands. Lopez has had some scoring outbursts this postseason but has been inconsistent for the most part. Both Allen and Lopez need to step up offensively on a consistent basis if the Bucks are going to find success against Boston’s top-tier defense.
Generating offense outside of Antetokounmpo, Holiday, and Portis will be challenging, but it must happen for Milwaukee to overcome the Celtics. Similar to how the supporting cast maximized their respective roles against the Chicago Bulls in the first round, efficiently executing in this series will be key to success.
Due to the recent lack of offensive contributions from the role players against the Boston Celtics, it could be a concern for the Milwaukee Bucks in this thrilling battle that’s only going to get more epic, intense, and competitive with each game.