With Damian Lillard sidelined by a probably season-ending harm, Milwaukee Bucks famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo has seamlessly stepped into the purpose guard position.
In a powerful 133-123 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night time, Giannis placed on a masterclass that highlighted his dual-threat talents, showcasing his versatility and basketball IQ within the course of.
The Greek Freak completed with a dominant 37 factors and 11 assists, whereas capturing an environment friendly 66.7% from the sector and committing simply two turnovers.
This elite two-way efficiency earned excessive reward from head coach Doc Rivers, who has been getting ready Giannis Antetokounmpo for this elevated playmaking accountability since Damian Lillard‘s harm analysis.
“With Dame out we talked about it about 4 or 5 days in the past. I mentioned, ‘You are actually actually our level guard, and you need to be our playmaker and our scorer, you’re going to attract consideration, and we’ve to belief you may make the suitable choices’,“ Rivers mentioned within the press-conference after the sport.
“And I believed total, he did tonight. He was unbelievable. He gave the ball to the fellows of their spot on the proper time and in rhythm. And I believed that was essential for us,“ he added.
The Bucks acquired devastating information in late March when medical examinations revealed Lillard has a blood clot in his proper calf, doubtless ending his season prematurely. This presents a big problem for Milwaukee as they put together for the upcoming playoffs.
Regardless of this setback, the Bucks have secured a postseason berth and at present occupy the sixth seed within the Japanese Convention with a 41-34 document. Whereas Lillard’s absence actually diminishes their championship odds, Rivers stays optimistic about his crew’s potential.
“We’ve determined with out Dame, that’s what we’re going to do, and we predict we will get quite a lot of profit out of it,” Rivers said confidently.
Giannis‘ expanded playmaking position has been evident in current video games, recording 11, 5 and 7 assists respectively in his final three video games. This improved distribution has allowed Milwaukee to take care of their offensive fluidity regardless of lacking their All-Star level guard.
The Bucks have additionally turned to Ryan Rollins to fill the primary place. The younger guard has stepped up, contributing no less than 5 assists and double-digit scoring in every of the final three video games whereas serving because the crew’s second level guard.
Because the playoffs strategy, Milwaukee’s capacity to adapt their offensive construction round Antetokounmpo’s playmaking might decide how far they will go within the postseason with out their star guard Lillard.