After a positive start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks were once again haunted by the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling to a 118-113 defeat on Sunday. AJ Green was impressive, but Doc Rivers needs to get him involved early on offense and draw more plays for him.
Green finished with 20 points, two assists, and two rebounds, making 6-of-9 (66.7 percent) from the field and 4-of-7 (57.1 percent) from deep. He took just one field goal attempt in the first quarter; after that, he was excellent, and it feels like Rivers can rely on him more early in games.
AJ Green needs more plays drawn up for him
Having progressed from a two-way player to now firmly in the starting five, averaging 13.3 points across the first three games of the season, Green's development has been a joy to watch. Everyone knows he is one of the best shooters in the league, and this season, he is making a ridiculous 58.8 percent of threes, attempting 5.7 per game.
The extension Green earned this offseason was more than deserved. He is a perfect player to have alongside Giannis, as their games complement each other well. Cleveland won every matchup between the two teams last season, and on Sunday, they sent countless double teams Giannis' way. Despite this, Giannis ended the night with 40 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Other teams that aren't at the level of the Cavs will try this, and Green is a player who will benefit heavily.
Green has been involved in different offensive concepts to get Giannis better matchups to attack. One instance in the second quarter saw him pin down for Myles Turner to fade to the 3-point line, before rolling to the basket.
Defensive improvements were always going to be the question for him, with Rivers moving to a smaller lineup incorporating him and Gary Trent Jr. together. Green has more than held his own and is often taking on bigger wings, especially with Kyle Kuzma out.
Getting Green involved early is something Rivers needs to do now that Kevin Porter Jr. is out. Cole Anthony also missed Sunday's game with an illness, and the team's ball control was poor. Two of the more comfortable facilitators being out led to 17 turnovers. If the Bucks face the same issues, Rivers needs to get clever and find ways to get guys open. Green was also responsible, turning the ball over three times.
Those two guards won't be out for too long, but Rivers will need to be creative to open up opportunities for players. We know teams will be drawn to Giannis, and the Bucks can use that to their advantage to get Green and co open. It was a good fight against Cleveland, but there are still things the Bucks need to improve on to go to the next level.