The Milwaukee Bucks had an excellent chance of taking a commanding 3-1 series lead against the Boston Celtics in the second round of the NBA Playoffs on Monday evening, but the Celtics ultimately prevailed to earn a thrilling 116-108 victory at Fiserv Forum and even up the series 2-2.
After controlling the majority of the game, the Bucks let this one slip away and have now given back home-court advantage with the series shifting back to Boston for Game 5. It’s suddenly a best of three series with an Eastern Conference Finals berth on the line. Let’s dive into three takeaways for the Milwaukee Bucks following an eventful Game 4.
The Milwaukee Bucks desperately need more offensive production to replace Khris Middleton’s absence
Outside of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks struggled to efficiently generate offense during Game 4. As a team, the Bucks shot 41.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from 3-point range.
Heading into this highly anticipated matchup, it was widely known that Milwaukee’s supporting cast would have to step up, especially offensively, with a 20-point per game scorer like Khris Middleton currently sidelined with an MCL tear in his knee. Middleton is expected to be out for the remainder of the series, but the Bucks have not officially ruled him out yet, so there’s still a slim chance that the All-Star returns.
Either way, the Bucks need more offensive production from everyone besides Antetokounmpo, who continues to punish the Celtics with his interior dominance, physicality, and freakish strides. It all starts with Giannis’ healthy co-star, Jrue Holiday.
While Holiday has been outstanding defensively as always, he’s been inefficient offensively lately and it’s been costly for the Bucks. During the Game 4 loss, Jrue Holiday was 5-of-22 from the floor, shooting a whopping 22.7 percent. His shot selection and aggressiveness under control must be better moving forward if Milwaukee is going to find consistent success.
Bobby Portis only contributed four points and Grayson Allen added just seven points, which is inexcusable for two offensive-minded players that have been relied upon to provide a boost offensively throughout the postseason, specifically in Middleton’s absence. Brook Lopez and Wesley Matthews have been inconsistent on the offensive end for the most part but made an efficient impact last night and Milwaukee will hope their production can be sustainable like the consistent efficiency from Pat Connaughton.