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As the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks prepare for Game 2, will we see Giannis Antetokounmpo take more defensive replays over Jimmy Butler?
When the Miami Heat achieved a surprise victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, it was ironically Giannis Antetokounmpo who received the most criticism.
That’s right, the guy who does the most for his team came under fire. Why?
Antetokounmpo took few reps defending Heat alpha Jimmy Butler, who finished with 40 points in what was the best playoff game of his career. When asked after the game if he had asked head coach Mike Budenholzer for the assignment, the greek monster He replied, “Why should I?”
Well, maybe because he was named Defensive Player of the Year last week.
The failure of any Defensive Player of the Year to take on the best player assignment for the opposing team often indicates a significant positional gap. Let’s say a longer center like Rudy Gobert, having to face a smaller point guard like Kemba Walker, for example.
That’s not the case between the two number one picks on these Miami and Milwaukee teams.
According to NBA.com’s Advanced Stats, Butler attempted four shots against Giannis in Game 1 and finished two of four in such situations. Considering he took 20 shots on the night, yes, I’d say Antetokounmpo didn’t protect Butler much.
The criticism led to the national media and was even a question raised by Sam Amick from Athletic. (requires subscription) sitting down with the Miami All-Star. Butler was specifically asked if he was surprised Giannis didn’t pick him more in Game 1.
“Uh no. I’m not surprised. I look at him that way. He’s one of the best auxiliary defenders out there in the league. And that’s what he’s been doing all year. And I think you can’t get stuck in what we do. I think you should really focus on what you do, you’ve been doing it all year. No, I’m not surprised. “
He didn’t fan the fire with his answer, continuing with a simple basketball explanation:
“If he changes… and he’s defending me, you know we will do what we have to do to win. But I’m going to tell you: you won’t be able to leave me, so that takes away their defense of the weak side. So either way, we’ll be in a good place. We have a lot more guys who can do what I did last night better than me, so we’ll see. “
Butler is obviously not concerned, with his team leading the series 1-0 and fresh off a 40-point performance in the playoffs. Whether you have money in Game 2 or not, look to Antetokounmpo to pick you up (even a little bit) more defensively.
The Miami Heat will no doubt look to follow Jimmy Butler in Game 2 on Wednesday night. The ad is scheduled for 6:30 pm ET, and ESPN will provide coverage.
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