Instead of just being the pick-and-roll ball-handler, Antetokounmpo also dominated rolling as the screen man, making him tougher to deal with. Jordan has played just five minutes since the last game against the Bucks on May 4.Īntetokounmpo hit 5-of-12 from 3-point range with the immobile Jordan sitting in drop coverage. The Greek Freak poured in 50 points while being guarded by Jordan in the three games, and the Bucks scored 94. Jordan started all three regular-season games against Antetokounmpo, facing him on 72.4 partial possessions, according to NBA data. The Nets haven’t seemed too interested in guarding all year, they really just try to outscore people.” The physical play of Giannis would pose the biggest problem for KD. … Jeff Green would be a huge help, but I’m not sure he plays. “Claxton is emerging but just doesn’t have the experience to guard Giannis at this level yet. … That is exactly what you’d look for in someone guarding him. “Not many players have KD’s length and quickness. “KD can guard him and be somewhat successful if he wants to be,” said VandeGarde, who runs his own scouting service. “When me and KD are both on the court at the same time, our length and the way we can affect the game in that way,” Claxton said. Nic Claxton is the first healthy big off the bench, with Jeff Green still hurt and DeAndre Jordan out of the rotation.ĭurant could have trouble with Antetokounmpo’s strength if he’s left on him too long, but his 7-foot-4 wingspan will be vital. Griffin is the most likely to start at center and get first crack at Antetokounmpo. There’s a reason he’s back-to-back MVPs and has had the success he’s had. It’s not going to be a single person just stopping him. He’s going to play hard and we just got to match it.”īreaking down matchups that will decide Nets-Bucks seriesĪdded Blake Griffin: “With any great player, it’s something you do by committee. It’s easier said than done, but that’s the foundation of it is playing hard. “Guarding your yard, guarding who’s in front of you, keeping. “Just playing hard,” Durant said of the key to defending Antetokounmpo. The Nets are bound and determined not to lose this series the same way. Antetokounmpo averaged 39.7 points, 10.7 rebounds and 5.0 assists against the Nets in the regular season, and the Bucks won the season series 2-1. In the past two seasons, as well as in 2021, Antetokounmpo’s player efficiency rating has dropped from the regular season to the postseason. That’s why Giannis hasn’t been the same player in the last three playoffs versus the regular season.” “People talk about creating a wall defense to stop his ability to drive to the basket, and that’s team defense for the most part as well … and much easier to game plan for in the playoffs. “That’s team defense and elite effort getting back. “Plain and simple is to keep him out of the paint and limit his transition points,” ex-76ers scout Michael VandeGarde told The Post. Scouts that spoke with The Post said it’s a five-man job. “When you’re out there with the best players in the world - MVPs and Defensive Players of the Year - it just makes it even better.”ĭurant will spend time on Antetokounmpo, but how much is the huge call coach Steve Nash must make. “It’s cool to compete against the best on this stage at this point of the season,” Kevin Durant said. 1 for the Nets is keeping him from doing it again in the postseason, starting Saturday with Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals (7:30 p.m., TNT). James Harden not happy with ESPN’s hamburger shamingīucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the last two NBA MVP awards, and sure looked worthy of another in dominating the Nets this regular season. Why Nets star believes they will exceed expectations Nets add Long Island native on Exhibit 10 contractĮxiled NBA star wants to make comeback in New York
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