This is an analysis of the Bucks losing in Games 1 and 2 of the 2018 Playoffs and also a preview for Games 3 and 4. In order to do this, we’re going to need some stats, some highlights, and some props for the Celtics. Not exactly in that order. But maybe.
Here are some stats: Giannis scored 35 in Game 1 and 30 in Game 2. Khris Middleton scored 31, then 25. For the Celtics, there were several different players in double-figures in both games. The high-scoring came in Game 1, however – Jaylen Brown did reach lucky number 30 in Game 2 to become the youngest player in Celtics history to score 30 in a playoff game.
Analysis: Now, that’s 121 total points for just Antetokounmpo and Middleton over the course of two games. That’s more than the total combined points of all the players who scored in double-figures for the Celtics between both games. The high-scoring from two stars on the Bucks wasn’t enough, though, because the Celtics played team ball and basically did everything the Celtics do. The Celtics shot the ball and they stole the ball. The Bucks needed more, especially in Game 1, from their others. Especially Jabari Parker, whose limited minutes could have still inspired more than two points.
Now, here are some highlights: It was Game 1 when Eric Bledsoe ran and spun through the Celtics like there was no tomorrow for a layup. But he missed it. But wait, there’s more. After that, John Henson attempted to tip it in and Henson missed it. This gave a rebound to the Celtics. It was also Game 1 that saw a long-range three from Khris Middleton from an inbound pass with Jaylen Brown in his face which sent the game into overtime.
More highlights: It was pretty much all game long when Giannis went down the court and achieved and-one’s in Game 2.
Analysis: The Bucks tried to play it safe and take it easy. This is why Giannis took control as many times as he did. The Celtics tried to play it safe and take it easy, which is what helped the Bucks achieve their and-one’s, but this was only until the last minute for the Celtics. The Celtics let the Bucks run the floor and garner some inside presence for much of the game, even letting the Bucks outshoot them percentage-wise. But they didn’t let Giannis’ intense isolation stop their team flow. The Celtics maintained their ballgame and kept the lead. The will to win and not the will to simply take it play-by-play is precisely what helped the Celtics win.
This is where it gets tricky. Both teams tried to play it safe almost literally until overtime of Game 1 or when they realized the Celtics’ lead was out of reach in Game 2. The fact that the Celtics did a good job of locking down everyone on the Bucks, except for Giannis is a testament to their power over the Bucks, and we have to give them props for that. They did at least get Giannis in foul trouble along with Bledsoe.
Major props for the Celtics: They kept Giannis in foul trouble. They played better defense. They played better offense. They won because of it.
Final analysis: The Bucks have to do more in Games 3 and 4. By more, I mean keep playing Bucks basketball, but only, play it like Bucks playoff basketball. And play it like they know they’re going up against the Celtics. I’ll repeat that: against the Celtics. The Bucks have to realize they are playing the Celtics. This means a couple of things, but it all could work in the Bucks’ favor. The Celtics are good, young and talented, well-coached, and all of that. They are also a team that is missing Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, and Marcus Smart. That’s a lot that the Bucks can play matchup with and expose if they go to their others. I’ll repeat that: go to their others. The Bucks have Giannis, and they should probably go to him first. Then, they are going to have to go to team ball. I don’t know, but feeding the ball to Jabari along with Giannis and Middleton, and Malcolm Brogdon along with Bledsoe might match well with the depth of the Celtics. It might scare the Celtics away.
Now, I’m not sure if the Bucks will win at home, but this is what they’ll need to do. I say they’ll make it to lucky number 7 if they do this. And this seems the desirable trend, seeing as though Boston took their two games at home. If I were the Bucks, I would go ahead and take full advantage of my given advantage of home court. This makes it 2-2, and therefore, even-steven for a possible Game 7.