Can Giannis Antetokounmpo have another dominant outing in Game 4 following his brilliant effort in Game 3 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics have done everything possible defensively to make life extremely difficult for Giannis Antetokounmpo on the offensive end in this series. Throughout the first two games, the Greek Freak shot an abysmal 38.5 percent from the floor, having looked uncomfortable due to an impressive effort on Boston’s end defensively. However, Antetokounmpo flipped the switch in the Bucks’ big Game 3 win by dropping 42 points on 53.3 percent shooting to finally break free from his brutal shooting woes. The question is now whether he can do it again or if the Celtics will do everything in their power to limit the driving force behind the Milwaukee Bucks’ success.
Without question, his biggest obstacle in this series has been Al Horford. Thus far, Giannis has shot a grueling 11-of-37 (29.7 percent) when being defended by Horford. He has also notched seven ugly turnovers in that timeframe, having struggled to take care of the basketball. Horford has done an outstanding job defensively against Antetokounmpo, as the Greek Freak has done most of his damage being defended by other players. The Celtics will look to keep Horford glued to Antetokounmpo throughout Game 4, and it will be interesting to see how that strategy plays out.
The Bucks will look to hunt switches for Antetokounmpo, as he shot 5-of-7 when being defended by Grant Williams, 4-of-4 when being defended by Jaylen Brown, and 2-of-3 each when defended by Jayson Tatum and Marcus Smart in Game 3. Those four are undoubtedly reputable defenders in their own right, but Antetokounmpo has seen more success against them than Horford due to the obvious size advantage. Boston’s defensive approach will come to light early on in the game, and it will certainly emphasize keeping Antetokounmpo in check as much as possible.
Be sure to see the answers to these questions be unearthed in tonight’s pivotal Game 4 between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Boston Celtics.