Middleton and Giannis Power Bucks To Force Game 7! 6.17.21
It’s another day of NBA playoff basketball and we have Game 6 between the Nets and Bucks.
(2) Brooklyn Nets vs (3) Milwaukee Bucks
Brooklyn Nets (3-3)
The Nets just don’t play well offensively in Milwaukee for some reason. Another slow start and while they made the game close a few times, the Bucks held a lead for most of the game. KD was very good and Harden played pretty good all things considered but the bench and role guys didn’t step up as much as the Nets needed them to. The defense against Middleton and Giannis was poor as this series heads to a 7th and final game.
Offensively for Game 7, KD is KD. Just try and get PJ Tucker off of him, get him in foul trouble or force switches, something of that nature. Harden was a lot better offensively in this game but you could clearly see he was still bothered by the hamstring. Interesting to see how comfortable he is in Game 7.
Assuming there’s no Irving, the role guys have to step up. Green, Harris, Griffin, Shamet, Brown. A couple of these guys have to get in double-digits, all are certainly capable. Joe Harris has been awful in this series, he has to be better. The Nets need Game 5 Jeff Green and something from their bench. Something.
Defensively, I am honestly happy with what they’ve been doing. This series has really only been Middleton and Giannis doing anything. Just don’t allow Tucker, Lopez, or Forbes to start making 3’s otherwise you will be in trouble. Pack the paint and make Giannis shoot free throws and jumpshots. Make Middleton play in isolation and in a crowd.
They just have to make the Bucks scoring come from Middleton and Giannis almost solely, can’t allow a big game from Holiday. Avoiding fouls on Durant, Green, and Griffin will also be huge.
The Nets can definitely win Game 7. I like their defense a lot, especially in a game like that where you need more than just a couple of guys to win. Offensively, just need a couple of guys to step up and that’s it. The home crowd with help a lot and the Bucks aren’t exactly the best at holding leads, so Game 7 will be very, very good but as of right now, the Nets should like their chances.
Milwaukee Bucks (3-3)
Take that Kareem, we’re going to Game 7. The Bucks took an early lead and for once they actually held on. The Nets made things close a few times, but the Bucks led for the whole game. Giannis and Middleton led the way once again as now the Bucks force a Game 7 against a hobbled Nets team. They were down 3-2 and now they force another game to keep their season alive. Can they fully pull off the upset?
Offensively, it’s been mostly Middleton and Giannis with a sprinkle of Holiday. Middleton has to be aggressive and play like he has since Game 2. If they get Games 1-2 Middleton, might as well advance Brooklyn already. Giannis has to play smart, in control, not shooting stupid 3’s. Especially on the road with the crowd egging you on, play your game and get to the rim.
The Bucks will need their role players to be better than the Nets. They need Tucker, Lopez, Forbes, Connaughton, somebody to hit some shots. It can’t just be the Big 3, they need some help. I am confident that Middleton and Giannis can score in that game, but who else can contribute?
Defensively I am a little worried. At all costs, keep PJ Tucker on KD. If he gets in foul trouble, you might be in trouble. But when PJ Tucker isn’t on him, please put Giannis on him. Not Holiday who is too small and Middleton who isn’t physical enough. Either Giannis or Tucker on KD, nobody else.
The Bucks also did this thing were Lopez would double when KD would spin baseline, making the shot much harder. They also have to do that. But like I said, no Middleton or Holiday. Tucker/Giannis all day long on Durant.
They have to stick to Harris, Shamet, and Green. They can’t afford for Jeff Green to have 27 points and hit 7 3’s like he did in Game 5. They simply can’t. They have to be able to guard KD and then also force the others to make shots. Don’t know what to expect from Harden, but he was a lot better in Game 6, so treat him like he’s 100%.
The Bucks can definitely win this game, but can they handle the adversity? On the road, tough environment, it’s going to be tough to win Game 7. They need their stars to come through and hope Mike Budenholzer isn’t a complete idiot in his scheming. The Bucks will have themselves a dog fight on Saturday and it will be one hell of a game to decide who gets their tickets punched to the Eastern Conference Finals.
What Are Your Thoughts From The Game Tonight? Leave A Comment Down Below!
Follow My Instagram/Facebook To Never Miss A Post: @hoopnotions
