Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: mistakes

  • Why the Milwaukee Bucks Lost to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

    Why the Milwaukee Bucks Lost to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

    The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, riding an eight-game winning streak and bolstered by the return of key players like Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis. Facing the No. 4 seed Indiana Pacers, who held home-court advantage for the first time since 2014, the Bucks were expected to leverage their star power and playoff experience to advance. However, the Pacers dispatched Milwaukee in a decisive 4-1 series, culminating in a thrilling 119-118 overtime victory in Game 5, driven by Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch heroics. Giannis’ fat statements about “NOW I know what I need to do” before the games proved to be just that: empty talk.

    1. Defensive Struggles Against Indiana’s High-Octane Offense

    The Pacers’ fast-paced, ball-movement-heavy offense overwhelmed Milwaukee’s defense throughout the series. Indiana, known for their relentless pace, averaged 17.5 fast-break points per game during the regular season, which jumped to 24.3 against the Bucks in their four regular-season matchups. This trend continued in the playoffs, where the Pacers exploited transition opportunities and defensive lapses to devastating effect.

    Milwaukee’s defense, ranked in the bottom half of the league in points allowed per 100 possessions during the regular season, was ill-equipped to handle Indiana’s speed. In Game 2, for instance, the Bucks allowed 123 points, with critical breakdowns like Tyrese Haliburton blowing past Kyle Kuzma in transition and Pascal Siakam capitalizing on a 3-on-2 break. These plays highlighted Milwaukee’s inability to get back quickly enough to set their defense, a problem exacerbated by veterans like Brook Lopez and Damian Lillard, who appeared a step slow.

    The Bucks’ defensive rating in the first two games was a dismal 121.8, reflecting their struggles to contain Indiana’s multi-faceted attack. The Pacers’ ability to create “power-play opportunities” (13.4% of their offensive possessions, second only to Denver) allowed players like Andrew Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith to exploit mismatches in transition. Milwaukee’s switch-heavy defensive strategy showed promise in Game 2’s fourth quarter, holding Indiana to 24 points, but inconsistent execution led to breakdowns, such as Siakam’s game-sealing 3-pointer in Game 2.

    Giannis is clearly not the DPOY he once was. He is focusing on offence and is much slower and less energetic in defence. He roams looking for the highlight block thus confusing his team’s defensive plan. And of course they all have to clear out so he can rack up defensive rebounds for his stats – that’s an order. Contrast that to the selfless team play of Indiana and you see the problem. That stuff may work in regular season easier games but not in NBA playoffs. Giannis should know better and curtail his ego.

    2. Inability to Contain Tyrese Haliburton’s Clutch Play

    Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the series’ defining figure, particularly in Game 5, where his game-winning layup in overtime sealed the Bucks’ fate. Haliburton’s ability to deliver in high-pressure moments was a recurring nightmare for Milwaukee. In Game 3, he recorded 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 15 assists, leading Indiana to a 129-103 rout. His Game 5 performance, including a layup-and-one to cut a four-point deficit and a subsequent game-winner, underscored his knack for taking over games.

    Milwaukee’s defensive schemes struggled to contain Haliburton, especially in pick-and-roll situations. The Pacers doubled ball screens involving Lillard, forcing him to make decisions under pressure, and Haliburton’s speed and playmaking exposed slower defenders like Lopez. In Game 2, Haliburton sprinted past Kuzma and drew Giannis away from his assignment, leading to open shots for teammates like Nesmith. The Bucks faced a tactical dilemma: leave Haliburton to score in the paint or risk open 3-pointers elsewhere, a question they failed to answer consistently. Giannis is just too slow to even understand what is going on, let alone adjust. Lateral speed has always been Giannis weak spot and it’s getting worse. In fact Giannis is worse this season at most statistical categories.

    3. Offensive Inefficiencies and Poor 3-Point Shooting

    Because of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance the Bucks’ offence lacked rhythm and consistency. Milwaukee, the league’s best 3-point shooting team during the regular season at 38.7%, shot a dismal 24.3% (9 of 37) in Game 1. Coach Doc Rivers noted that many of these attempts came off late passes, disrupting the team’s offensive flow. Giannis always looks to get his easy bucket for his stats first. It’s predictable and all too often it leads to a (usually mediocre or even bad) pass with not much time left on the clock. Then everyone blames the receiver and not Giannis! The Bucks were the No1 team in the regular season for 3pt percentage.

    The return of Damian Lillard, who missed Game 1 due to a blood clot but played 37 minutes in Game 2, didn’t provide the expected spark. Lillard, still recovering, shot 4-of-13 for 14 points in Game 2 and struggled defensively, likely due to his month-long absence and a calf injury. The Bucks’ reliance on Giannis to carry the offence was evident, but his lack of play making in Game 1 (one assist) highlighted the team’s struggle to generate open looks for shooters like Gary Trent Jr. and AJ Green. Giannis simply lacks the range of potential movements and the basketball IQ to understand how to change the team plays. Never in any universe should he be bringing down the ball.

    4. Failure to Capitalize on Home Games

    After falling into a 2-0 hole in Indianapolis, the Bucks had a chance to shift momentum at home in Games 3 and 4. They managed a 117-101 victory in Game 3, powered by Giannis (34 points) and Gary Trent Jr.’s hot shooting from deep. Here I had predicted the Pacers would let them win it way before the game and I was correct. The Pacers simply wanted to finish off the series in Indiana and make some extra money along the way. They responded with a commanding 129-103 win in Game 4, exposing Milwaukee’s inability to sustain defensive intensity. Indiana’s road performance was formidable, with an 18-9 record and the fourth-best road net rating after a slow start to the season. This resilience made it difficult for the Bucks to capitalise on home-court energy.

    The Bucks’ Game 4 loss was particularly damaging, as Indiana’s balanced attack—led by six players in double figures—overpowered Milwaukee’s defense. The Pacers’ ability to maintain their high-octane offense away from home, averaging 117.8 points per 100 possessions on the road, meant the Bucks couldn’t rely on home advantage to slow Indiana down.

    5. Historical Context and Rivalry Dynamics

    The Pacers have historically had Milwaukee’s number in playoff match ups, never losing a series to the Bucks. In 2024, Indiana defeated a Giannis-less Bucks team 4-2, and this year’s 4-1 result continued that trend. The rivalry’s intensity, marked by incidents like the 2023 game-ball dispute and Haliburton’s “Dame Time” mimicry, added a psychological edge for Indiana. Haliburton himself acknowledged the animosity, stating, “We don’t like them, they don’t like us,” which seemed to fuel the Pacers’ focus.

    The Bucks’ inability to channel this rivalry into consistent performance, especially after blowing a seven-point lead in the final minute of Game 5’s overtime, underscored their mental and tactical lapses, with Giannis bearing most of the blame but insisting on trying to guard Tyrese. He clearly couldn’t and it cost the game. Getting blown past once happens. Twice you are starting to look stupid. Three times in clutch and Giannis should have come out after the game and asked his team for forgiveness.

    This was mainly Giannis’ fault

    While Giannis delivered scoring outbursts—36 points in Game 1, 34 in Game 2, and 34 in Game 3—his shortcomings in play making, defensive discipline, and clutch situations were pivotal in the Bucks’ inability to compete effectively.

    1. Limited Playmaking and Over-Reliance on Scoring

    Giannis’s dominance as a scorer was evident, averaging 34.0 points per game on 56.2% field goal shooting, but his play making fell short of what the Bucks needed against Indiana’s high-octane offence. In Game 1, Giannis recorded just one assist, a stark contrast to Haliburton’s 15 assists in Game 3. His tendency to drive into crowded lanes and force shots, rather than facilitating for open teammates, disrupted Milwaukee’s offensive flow. The Bucks shot a dismal 24.3% from three in Game 1 (9 of 37), with many attempts coming off late passes or broken plays, a problem exacerbated by Giannis’s limited vision as a passer.

    So this is interesting. Before these playoffs, the Pacers had many more assists per game than the Bucks. Yeah, we all know they pass a lot. So why then did they have LESS assists in every game of the playoff series against the Bucks?

    This has Giannis written all over it. He simply can’t adjust and reverts to his selfish ways, running to dunk and then passing when he gets stuck. It is amazing his team mates get any in at all as they are usually stone cold and haven’t touched the ball for ages! The Pacers were all probing the paint quickly but then passing out immediately if they saw issues with the total team effort. There is no “i” in team but plenty of “I” in Giannis!

    Indiana’s defensive strategy focused on clogging the paint, daring Giannis to kick out to shooters like Gary Trent Jr. or AJ Green. However, Giannis averaged only 3.8 assists per game in the series, compared to his regular-season average of 6.5. In Game 4, a 129-103 blowout loss, Giannis’s four turnovers, including two errant passes in the third quarter, led to fast-break points for the Pacers. His inability to consistently create for others allowed Indiana to collapse on him, stifling Milwaukee’s offence and leaving shooters like Damian Lillard, who was still recovering from injury, unable to find rhythm.

    2. Defensive Lapses in Transition and Pick-and-Roll Coverage

    The Pacers’ fast-paced attack, averaging 24.3 fast-break points per game in the series, exposed Giannis’s struggles in transition defence. His positioning and decision-making faltered against Indiana’s speed. In Game 2, Tyrese Haliburton blew past Kyle Kuzma in transition, drawing Giannis away from his assignment and leaving Aaron Nesmith open for a corner three. Similar breakdowns occurred in Game 5, where Giannis’s hesitation to pick up Haliburton in a 3-on-2 break led to a backbreaking layup. It seems like Giannis is more concerned with the optics and himself looking good than actually helping his team win.

    In pick-and-roll situations, Giannis struggled to balance defending the ball-handler and protecting the rim. The Pacers’ use of double ball screens targeting Damian Lillard forced Giannis to hedge or switch, but he was often a step slow, allowing Haliburton to penetrate or find open teammates. Milwaukee’s defensive rating in the series was a poor 121.8 in the first two games, with Giannis’s inability to anchor the defence against Indiana’s “power-play opportunities” (13.4% of possessions) proving costly.

    3. Clutch-Time Struggles and Poor Decision-Making

    The Bucks’ collapse in Game 5’s overtime, blowing a seven-point lead in the final minute, highlighted Giannis’s struggles in clutch moments. With the game on the line, Giannis failed to take control, deferring to teammates or making questionable decisions. In the final possession of overtime, he drove into a crowded paint, ignoring an open Gary Trent Jr. on the wing, resulting in a blocked shot by Myles Turner. Haliburton capitalized on the other end with a game-winning layup-and-one, underscoring Giannis’s inability to deliver when it mattered most.

    Giannis’s clutch-time stats were lacklustre: in the series’ five games, he shot 2-for-5 in clutch situations (last five minutes, score within five points) and committed two turnovers. His free-throw shooting, a long-standing weakness, also hurt the Bucks, as he went 10-for-16 (62.5%) in Game 5, missing key attempts that could have sealed the game in regulation. These misses shifted momentum to Indiana, who thrived on Milwaukee’s mistakes. This is nothing new. But Bucks’ fans have never admitted that in the championship run Khris bailed him out every time. Giannis simply can’t operate in clutch situations.

    4. Failure to Lead and Elevate Teammates

    As the Bucks’ leader, Giannis was expected to rally a roster dealing with injuries (Lillard’s calf issue and limited minutes in Game 2) and fatigue from heavy reliance on a seven-man rotation. However, his leadership on the court lacked the intangibles needed to counter Indiana’s intensity. The Pacers’ psychological edge, fueled by the ongoing rivalry and Haliburton’s taunting (mimicking “Dame Time” in Game 3), seemed to unsettle the Bucks. Giannis, despite acknowledging the rivalry’s intensity post-game, failed to channel it into cohesive team play. This has been his fault for many years now. From the game ball debacle in the regular season, Giannis has indeed acted like a child (to quote J.Brown!) and made the Pacers aware how easy it is to get him rattled.

    In Game 3, the Bucks’ lone win (117-101), Giannis’s 34 points were complemented by Gary Trent Jr.’s hot shooting, but this was an outlier, as the Pacers probably didn’t really fight to win that game anyway. In losses, Giannis’s dominance didn’t translate to elevating players like Bobby Portis or Kevin Porter Jr., who struggled to find open looks. His tunnel vision in key moments, such as forcing drives against double-teams in Game 4, limited opportunities for role players to contribute, unlike Haliburton, who consistently set up teammates like Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard. The higher the stakes, the worse Giannis plays. He tends to revert to his same, extremely predictable, go to moves and it simply doesn’t work.

    5. Inability to Counter Indiana’s Strategic Adjustments

    The Pacers made effective adjustments throughout the series, particularly in neutralising Giannis’s paint dominance. In Game 2, Indiana doubled Giannis on post touches, forcing him to pass out of tight spaces, which led to three turnovers in the third quarter alone. Coach Rick Carlisle’s strategy of using Myles Turner’s rim protection and Pascal Siakam’s versatility limited Giannis’s efficiency in the half-court, forcing him to rely on contested mid-range shots, where he went 3-for-10 in the series.

    Giannis failed to adapt to these adjustments, and again it’s on Giannis who was sticking to his drive-heavy approach rather than exploiting Indiana’s smaller defenders, like Nembhard, with post-ups or quick passes. His lack of a reliable outside shot—0-for-3 from three in the series—allowed the Pacers to sag off him, clogging driving lanes and disrupting Milwaukee’s spacing. This predictability made it easier for Indiana to dictate the game’s tempo, especially in their 129-103 Game 4 rout.

    The Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA Playoffs was a result of multiple compounding factors. Defensively, they couldn’t contain Indiana’s fast-break attack or Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch play making. For Milwaukee, this early exit raises questions about their defensive identity, roster construction, and ability to compete in a faster, more dynamic Eastern Conference. As the Bucks head into the off season, addressing these weaknesses will be critical to reclaiming their status as championship contenders. But take a minute before boasting how “every team wants to trade for Giannis” to think about it. Is he really any good at all at NBA playoff basketball or is he a liability?

    If you want more detailed breakdowns:

    Before the playoffs I analysed why Giannis struggles against the Pacers always.

    Post game 1 analysis here

    Giannis game 2 melt down here

    How I knew the Pacers would throw game 3 here

    The myth of Giannis’ mid range debunked after the playoffs again here

    Game 5 Giannis masterclass of how to do everything wrong here

  • Doc Rivers’ Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis loves him, end of story

    Doc Rivers’ Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis loves him, end of story

    Doc Rivers, a seasoned NBA coach with a storied career, joined the Milwaukee Bucks mid season in 2024, taking over from Adrian Griffin after a surprising mid-campaign firing. With a resume boasting an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008, over 1,150 regular-season wins, and a reputation as a players’ coach, Rivers was expected to elevate the Bucks to championship contention. However, his time with the Bucks has been a roller coaster of highs, lows, and intense scrutiny. And in the modern NBA it is easier to make coaches the scapegoats than players.

    The Appointment: A Midseason ShakeUp

    In January 2024, the Bucks made a bold move by dismissing Adrian Griffin after just 43 games, despite a 30-13 record. The decision shocked the NBA world, given the team’s strong standing in the Eastern Conference. Rivers, who had been serving as an ESPN analyst after his stint with the Philadelphia 76ers, was brought in as head coach. His hiring was seen as a gamble to maximise the championship window of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, acquired in a blockbuster trade before the 2023-24 season. Rivers’ extensive experience coaching the Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Clippers, and 76ers—made him an appealing choice for a team with immediate title aspirations.

    However, the transition wasn’t seamless. The Bucks were still paying former coaches Mike Budenholzer and Griffin, adding financial complexity to the move. Rivers inherited a talented but injury-plagued roster, and his mid season arrival meant adapting to a team already in motion. Early struggles raised eyebrows, with the Bucks posting an 18-23 record in their first 41 games under Rivers, prompting criticism from fans. One remarked, “Bucks are 18-23 since hiring Doc Rivers… That’s a crazy way to waste Giannis and Dame pairing.”

    Performance in the 2023-24 Season

    Rivers’ first partial season with the Bucks (2023-24) ended with a 49-33 record, securing the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. However, the playoffs were a disappointment. The Bucks faced the Indiana Pacers in the first round and were eliminated in six games, marking their second consecutive first-round exit. Injuries to key players, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, hampered the team’s performance. Rivers faced criticism for failing to advance, with some pointing to his historical playoff struggles, including three infamous 3-1 series lead collapses with previous teams.

    Rivers addressed the criticism, arguing that the narrative around his playoff losses was “unfair in some ways.” He emphasised that his teams have never been swept in the postseason and highlighted the challenge of coaching underdog teams like the 2003 Orlando Magic, which took a 3-1 lead against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons before collapsing. “I don’t get enough credit for getting the three wins,” Rivers told Andscape, underscoring his ability to position teams for success despite ultimate failures.

    The 2024-25 Season: Challenges and Adjustments

    The 2024-25 season brought more challenges. The Bucks finished with a 48-34 record, landing the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite a talented roster, injuries continued to plague the team. Damian Lillard suffered a blood clot during the regular season and later tore his left Achilles in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Pacers, contributing to another early exit in a 119-118 overtime loss in Game 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo also battled injuries, though he delivered a heroic 30-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist performance in Game 5.

    Rivers made notable adjustments during the season. After falling 0-2 to the Pacers in the playoffs, he shook up the starting lineup, inserting players like Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Bobby Portis to compensate for Lillard’s absence. The move paid off in Game 3, with the Bucks securing a 117-101 victory, showcasing Rivers’ ability to adapt under pressure. However, the team couldn’t overcome the series deficit, and Rivers’ son, Austin, publicly defended him against critics, arguing that the playoff loss was due to team mistakes rather than coaching errors. “Every possible mistake that a team could make in a minute was made,” Austin Rivers said on The Ryen Russillo Podcast.

    Rivers also faced health challenges during the season. On April 4, 2025, he fell ill during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, forcing assistant coach Darvin Ham to take over. The Bucks won 126-113, demonstrating the team’s resilience and Ham’s readiness, a testament to Rivers’ coaching staff preparation.

    Relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo

    One of the brightest spots of Rivers’ tenure has been his relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has been vocal about his admiration for Rivers, both as a coach and a person. After the Bucks’ Game 5 loss to the Pacers in 2025, Giannis said, “I love Doc. I think he’s a great human being. He knows how to uplift your spirits and always knows the right thing to say at the right moment.” He humorously added, “He’s been in the NBA for 50 years. Is it 50? I don’t know. Maybe. A lot of years.” Earlier, in February 2024, Giannis described his experience with Rivers as “incredible” and praised his ability to foster team unity.

    This bond has been crucial, especially amid trade rumors surrounding Giannis due to the Bucks’ playoff struggles. Rivers’ ability to connect with his star player has kept the team’s core intact, though speculation about Giannis’ future persists, with some reports suggesting he could chase bigger markets.

    Criticism and Public Perception

    Rivers’ tenure has not been without controversy. A player poll in April 2025 ranked him among the NBA’s worst coaches, with 12.3% of votes, though he was the first coach of a playoff-bound team on the list. Critics point to his postseason record—21 playoff appearances but only two NBA Finals trips and one championship—as evidence of underachievement. The Bucks’ back-to-back first-round exits under Rivers have fuelled this narrative.

    Rivers has pushed back against the criticism, particularly regarding his 3-1 playoff lead collapses. He argues that his teams’ ability to achieve those leads reflects strong coaching, and injuries, like Chris Paul’s in 2015 with the Clippers, often played a role in losses. “One of the things that I’m proud of is we’ve never been swept,” he said, highlighting his teams’ competitiveness.

    Coaching Staff and Organizational Context

    Rivers has leaned on a strong coaching staff, including Darvin Ham, a former Lakers head coach, and his son Spencer Rivers, an assistant coach. The Bucks also saw one of their assistants eyed for a head coaching role elsewhere in May 2025, indicating the quality of Rivers’ staff. However, the organization faces financial constraints, still paying out contracts for former coaches Budenholzer and Griffin, which could complicate any decision to move on from Rivers.

    Looking Ahead

    The Bucks face a pivotal offseason. With Lillard’s Achilles injury and Giannis’ future uncertain, Rivers’ ability to navigate roster changes and injuries will be critical. His regular-season success—nearing Phil Jackson’s win total and securing playoff berths—demonstrates his coaching prowess, but postseason results remain the ultimate measure. Rivers’ experience, player relationships, and adaptability suggest he can steer the Bucks toward deeper playoff runs, but the pressure is on to deliver a championship with a roster built for now.

    Areas of Limited or No Improvement of Giannis under Doc Rivers

    Post Play Efficiency
    While Giannis is dominant in the post, his efficiency against elite defensive teams hasn’t improved under Rivers. Opponents like the Pacers in the 2024 and 2025 playoffs used physical, switch-heavy defences to slow him down, and Rivers’ adjustments (e.g., lineup changes) didn’t fully counter this. Giannis’ post moves remain predictable, relying on power over finesse, and Rivers hasn’t introduced noticeable new wrinkles to his low-post game, such as counters to double-teams or refined footwork.

    Three-Point Shooting
    Giannis’ three-point shooting has not shown notable progress under Rivers. Historically, his outside shot has been a weak point, with career averages hovering around 28-29% from beyond the arc. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 27.4% on 1.3 attempts per game, and in 2024-25, reports suggest no significant uptick in efficiency or volume. Rivers’ offensive schemes have leaned heavily on Giannis’ paint dominance and playmaking, with less emphasis on developing his perimeter game. Fans have noted frustration with Giannis’ lack of a reliable jump shot, with one user stating, “Giannis still can’t shoot threes, and Doc’s not fixing that.” While Rivers has encouraged team-oriented play, there’s no evidence of targeted work to improve Giannis’ three-point consistency. In the modern NBA lack of 3pt is a serious impediment for the whole team and Giannis shot worse than ever this season.

    Free-Throw Shooting
    Free-throw shooting remains a persistent issue for Giannis. His career free-throw percentage is around 70%, but under Rivers, there’s no clear indication of improvement. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 65.7% from the line, a dip from prior years. In the 2024-25 playoffs, his free-throw struggles in high-pressure situations were noted in reports. Rivers’ focus on team unity and Giannis’ role as a facilitator hasn’t translated to addressing this technical flaw, possibly due to limited mid season time or prioritising other aspects of the Bucks’ game plan.

    Late-Game Decision-Making
    Giannis’ decision-making in crunch-time situations has been a point of criticism, particularly in the playoffs. While he’s improved as a playmaker—evidenced by his triple-double in the 2025 playoffs—some analysts argue he still struggles with turnovers or forcing plays in high-stakes moments. For example, during the Bucks’ 2024 and 2025 first-round exits against the Pacers, Giannis’ aggressive style led to occasional rushed shots or turnovers, as noted in game recaps. Rivers’ coaching has emphasised Giannis as the focal point of the offence, but there’s little evidence of specific strategies to refine his late-game composure, such as diversifying his approach or deferring to teammates like Damian Lillard (when healthy). Doc Rivers has resorted to keeping him out of the game as long as possible in the 4th quarter but when Giannis eventually enters he often messes everything up.

    So no, it’s not on Doc Rivers

    Doc Rivers’ tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks is a tale of high expectations, injury setbacks, and a strong connection with Giannis Antetokounmpo. While his regular-season record and leadership have kept the Bucks competitive, playoff disappointments have drawn criticism. Rivers’ ability to adapt, as seen in lineup changes and his handling of adversity, shows why he remains a respected figure in the NBA. Whether he can lead the Bucks to another title will define his legacy in Milwaukee. For now, his bond with Giannis and his resilience in the face of scrutiny keep him with the Bucks but the honest truth is that Giannis is the source of the inflexibility, not Doc. The Bucks have a lot of problems. Doc Rivers is not No1.

  • Why Kendrick Perkins Is Right: The Bucks Are Struggling and Giannis Bears the Blame

    Why Kendrick Perkins Is Right: The Bucks Are Struggling and Giannis Bears the Blame

    Kendrick Perkins, never one to mince words, recently dropped a bombshell on NBA discourse by declaring that “the Bucks are trash” and pointing the finger squarely at Giannis Antetokounmpo as the primary culprit. While some might dismiss Perkins’ take as hot-take sensationalism, a deeper dive into the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024-25 season reveals that his assessment holds water. The Bucks, despite their championship pedigree, are floundering, and Giannis, as the team’s cornerstone, must shoulder much of the responsibility.

    The Bucks’ Disappointing Season

    As of April 27, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks are languishing in the Eastern Conference standings, hovering around a .500 record—a far cry from their 2021 championship form. Once a dominant force, the Bucks have been plagued by inconsistent play, defensive lapses, and an inability to close out games against both elite and mediocre opponents. Losses to teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards—squads they should dispatch with ease—have become alarmingly common.

    The Bucks’ offensive rating ranks in the middle of the pack, a surprising drop for a team with two former MVPs in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Defensively, they’re even worse, sitting in the bottom third of the league in defensive rating. This is a stark contrast to their championship season, when their stifling defense, anchored by Giannis and Brook Lopez, suffocated opponents. The eye test confirms the numbers: the Bucks look disjointed, lacking the cohesion and intensity that once defined them.

    Perkins’ blunt assessment that “the Bucks are trash” might sound harsh, but it captures the reality of a team that’s underperforming relative to its talent and expectations. The Bucks aren’t just struggling—they’re regressing, and the reasons point back to their superstar.

    Giannis’ Role in the Bucks’ Struggles

    Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP, is undeniably one of the NBA’s most dominant players. His ability to attack the rim, defend multiple positions, and elevate his game in clutch moments has made him a perennial All-NBA talent. However, even the best players can falter, and Giannis’ shortcomings this season are magnifying the Bucks’ woes. Here’s why Perkins’ finger-pointing at Giannis is justified:

    1. Leadership and Accountability Leadership and Accountability

    As the face of the franchise, Giannis is expected to set the tone for the Bucks both on and off the court. Yet, this season, his leadership has been inconsistent. Reports from the locker room suggest a lack of accountability, with Giannis occasionally deflecting blame rather than rallying his teammates. For example, after a blown lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers in March 2025, Giannis publicly criticized the team’s effort but failed to acknowledge his own late-game turnovers that sealed the loss. A true leader owns their mistakes, and Giannis’ reluctance to do so has created a ripple effect, eroding team morale.

    Perkins, a former NBA champion, knows the importance of a superstar galvanizing their squad. His critique likely stems from seeing Giannis fall short in this intangible but critical aspect of leadership. Without a unified locker room, the Bucks lack the grit needed to overcome their on-court deficiencies.

    2. Offensive Limitations

    Giannis’ game, while dominant, has glaring holes that opponents have exploited. His lack of a reliable jump shot—particularly from beyond the arc—allows defenses to sag off him, clogging the paint and neutralizing Milwaukee’s offense. In the 2024-25 season, Giannis is shooting a career-low 20.3% from three-point range on minimal attempts, and his free-throw percentage has dipped to 65.7%. These deficiencies are especially costly in crunch time, where teams dare him to shoot, knowing he’s unlikely to deliver.

    This isn’t a new critique of Giannis, but what’s alarming is the lack of progress. At 30 years old, he’s had ample time to develop a jumper or refine his free-throw shooting, yet these weaknesses persist. Perkins’ frustration likely stems from seeing a player of Giannis’ caliber fail to evolve in ways that could unlock the Bucks’ offense. With Damian Lillard struggling to find his rhythm in Milwaukee, Giannis’ inability to stretch the floor compounds the team’s spacing issues, making their half-court offense predictable and stagnant.

    3. Defensive Regression

    Giannis’ defensive prowess was once his calling card, earning him the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year award. However, this season, his defensive impact has waned. Advanced metrics like Defensive Box Plus-Minus show a decline, and film analysis reveals moments of disengagement on that end. Opponents are attacking Giannis more aggressively, exploiting his slower lateral movement and occasional lapses in help defense.

    The Bucks’ defensive scheme relies on Giannis as a roving free safety, but his reduced effort has left Brook Lopez exposed in drop coverage and forced Khris Middleton to overcompensate on the perimeter. Perkins, a defensive stalwart during his playing days, likely sees this as a betrayal of the Bucks’ identity. If Giannis isn’t anchoring the defense, the entire system collapses, as evidenced by the team’s plummeting defensive rating.

    4. Failure to Elevate Teammates

    A hallmark of a true superstar is their ability to make their teammates better. LeBron James, Nikola Jokić, and even Luka Dončić consistently elevate lesser talents into key contributors. Giannis, however, has struggled to do this consistently. Players like Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton have regressed this season, and even Lillard, a former All-NBA guard, looks like a shell of himself alongside Giannis.

    Part of this stems from Giannis’ ball-dominant style, which can stifle the offense. His high usage rate (around 33% this season) often leaves teammates standing around, waiting for kick-out passes that don’t always come. Perkins’ critique may reflect this dynamic: if Giannis isn’t facilitating or creating easy looks for others, the Bucks’ supporting cast can’t compensate for the team’s other flaws.

    The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for the Bucks?

    Perkins’ assessment, while blunt, is a wake-up call for Milwaukee. The Bucks are at a crossroads, and Giannis’ role in their struggles can’t be ignored. However, this doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Giannis is still a top-five player with the potential to turn things around. For the Bucks to salvage their season, a few things need to happen:

    • Giannis Must Evolve Offensively: Developing a mid-range jumper or improving his free-throw shooting would force defenses to respect him beyond the paint, opening up the floor for Lillard and Middleton.
    • Recommit to Defence: Giannis needs to rediscover his Defensive Player of the Year form, setting the tone for a Bucks defence that’s lost its edge.
    • Stronger Leadership: Giannis must hold himself accountable and foster a culture of unity, ensuring the team fights through adversity together.
    • Coaching Adjustments: Doc Rivers, the Bucks’ head coach, must also adapt. His rotations and late-game strategies have been questionable, and he needs to maximize Giannis’ strengths while masking his weaknesses.
    • Stop stat padding: We have seen him in trash time in blowouts, we have seen him almost every game denying younger players the opportunity to gain experience. It has to stop. Maybe he needs to seek psychological help about it.

    If these changes don’t materialise, the Bucks risk squandering their championship window. The NBA is unforgiving, and younger teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers are surging. Perkins’ warning isn’t just a critique—it’s a call to action.

    Perk is right

    Kendrick Perkins’ declaration that “the Bucks are trash” and Giannis is to blame might ruffle feathers, but it’s rooted in uncomfortable truths. The Bucks’ mediocre record, coupled with Giannis’ offensive limitations, defensive regression, and inconsistent leadership, paints a picture of a team and a superstar failing to live up to their potential. While Giannis remains a generational talent, his flaws are holding Milwaukee back, and Perkins’ bluntness shines a light on that reality.

    The good news? There’s still time for Giannis and the Bucks to turn things around. If Giannis can address his shortcomings and recommit to leading by example, Milwaukee could reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite. Until then, Perkins’ assessment stands: the Bucks are under performing, and Giannis, as their cornerstone, bears the brunt of the blame. Let’s hope this is the wake-up call they need to get back on track. Can Giannis improve? Can he learn new skills? More than a decade in the NBA shows he probably can’t.

    From Twitter, people recently saying the same thing :

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo Bears Responsibility for the Bucks’ Game 1 Loss to the Pacers

    Giannis Antetokounmpo Bears Responsibility for the Bucks’ Game 1 Loss to the Pacers

    The Milwaukee Bucks entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs with high fan expectations, bolstered by a healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo and an eight-game winning streak to close the regular season. Facing the Indiana Pacers in a first-round rematch of last year’s series, the Bucks were poised to leverage their star power and newfound depth to reverse their 2024 postseason disappointment. However, Game 1 on April 19, 2025, resulted in a decisive 117-98 loss to the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. While basketball is a team sport, and losses are rarely the fault of one individual, Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the Bucks’ superstar and leader, shoulders significant responsibility for the defeat due to his offensive inefficiencies, defensive lapses, and failure to elevate his teammates.

    Over-Reliance on Isolation Plays

    Giannis took 23 shots to reach his 36 points, shooting 15-for-23 (65.2%) from the field. While his field goal percentage was strong, his shot selection leaned heavily on isolation drives and post-ups, which played into the Pacers’ defensive strategy. Indiana, ranked 15th in defensive rating this season, is known for allowing a high percentage of shots in the paint (56%, the league’s highest) but has improved at contesting those attempts. Pascal Siakam, who guarded Giannis for 27 minutes across 130 possessions this season, and Myles Turner effectively crowded the paint, forcing Giannis into contested shots or passing out of double-teams.

    The Bucks’ offense, typically a top-10 unit in the final weeks of the regular season, scored only 98 points in Game 1, well below their season average of 115.9. Giannis’ 23 shot attempts accounted for nearly a quarter of Milwaukee’s 94 field goal attempts, but his usage rate (estimated at 32.1% based on regular-season trends) meant the offence often stalled when he held the ball. For example, a second-quarter possession highlighted by The Athletic showed Giannis posting up after decoy actions, but his teammates’ positioning offered little support, leading to a forced shot or turnover. This lack of fluidity was a recurring issue, as Giannis failed to consistently involve teammates in high-percentage opportunities.

    Turnover Troubles

    Giannis committed turnovers on critical possessions, including a notable drive in the first half where he lost the ball to Andrew Nembhard, leading to a fast-break opportunity for Indiana. The Bucks turned the ball over 15 times in the game, with Giannis’ aggressive drives contributing to at least three, per NBA.com’s play-by-play data. These turnovers fuelled Indiana’s transition game, where they rank fourth in efficiency (130.4 points per 100 possessions). The Pacers capitalised, scoring 31 fast-break points, a stark contrast to Milwaukee’s 12. Giannis’ ball-handling, while improved this season (7.9 assists per game without Damian Lillard), lacked the precision needed against Indiana’s active hands and help defence.

    Failure to Facilitate

    Despite his regular-season assist average, Giannis’ playmaking was underwhelming in Game 1. He recorded fewer assists than expected (exact number not specified in sources but likely below his 6.5 season average), as Indiana’s defence collapsed on his drives, daring him to pass to open shooters. The Bucks’ starting lineup, including Ryan Rollins, Taurean Prince, Kyle Kuzma, and Brook Lopez, struggled to convert from beyond the arc, shooting just 4-for-17 (23.5%) from three. Giannis’ inability to set up teammates for open looks exacerbated this issue. In contrast, Tyrese Haliburton, despite an off shooting night, dished out 12 assists, showcasing the kind of facilitation that kept Indiana’s offence humming.

    As you can see in the possession chart, Giannis hogged the ball much more than anyone, Kuzma hardly touched it (and is now blamed by a lot of people.) As Doc Rivers said in his post game interview, you can’t expect to make a bad pass as the clock runs out when the entire opposing team knows whoever gets the ball from Giannis will have to shoot it.

    Defensive Lapses: Giannis as the Anchor That Wavered

    As the 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, Giannis is expected to anchor Milwaukee’s defense, particularly against a high-octane Pacers offense that averaged 117.3 points per game (seventh in the NBA). While Giannis is no longer the Defensive Player of the Year, his presence in the paint is crucial for a Bucks team that improved its transition defense post-All-Star break, allowing 12.2 fast-break points per game compared to 14.3 before. However, in Game 1, Giannis’ defensive efforts were inconsistent, contributing to Indiana’s 61% shooting in the first half and 26 points in the paint in the opening 24 minutes.

    Siakam vs Giannis

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    — Hoop Informatics (@hoopinformatics.bsky.social) 19 April 2025 at 20:29

    The Nembhard Dagger

    A pivotal moment came late in the first half when Giannis was caught out of position defending Andrew Nembhard. After poking the ball away, Giannis failed to recover quickly, leaving Nembhard open for a 30-foot three-pointer that extended Indiana’s lead to 24 points. This play, detailed by The Athletic, underscored Giannis’ occasional lack of discipline in scramble situations. Nembhard’s shot not only swung momentum but also highlighted Giannis’ struggle to balance aggressive help defense with maintaining his assignment.

    Struggles Against Siakam and Transition

    Pascal Siakam, who scored 25 points, exploited mismatches against Giannis and others, using his versatility to score in the post and midrange. Giannis, tasked with guarding Siakam for significant stretches, allowed the All-Star forward to operate efficiently, as Siakam shot 10-for-16 (62.5%). Additionally, Giannis’ slow rotations in transition defense contributed to Indiana’s 31 fast-break points. The Pacers’ ability to run and gun, led by Siakam and Haliburton, overwhelmed Milwaukee’s half-court sets, and Giannis, as the defensive leader, failed to set the tone to slow Indiana’s pace.

    Leadership and Teammate Elevation: Where Giannis Fell Short

    As the Bucks’ franchise player, Giannis is expected to elevate his teammates, especially in the absence of Damian Lillard, who missed Game 1 due to a blood clot issue. The Bucks’ starting lineup, which scored 130.1 points per 100 possessions during the regular season (100th percentile), managed only 91.9 points per 100 possessions in 17 minutes in Game 1. Coach Doc Rivers pointed to poor offensive execution as the primary issue, stating, “We just didn’t play the way we played during this stretch to close the season offensively.” Giannis, as the focal point, bears responsibility for this disconnect.

    Inability to Settle the Offence

    Giannis acknowledged post-game that the team’s offense lacked patience, with players “inching toward the ball” out of anxiety to make plays. His leadership on the court could have mitigated this by orchestrating sets that prioritized ball movement over individual heroics. Instead, the Bucks’ offense devolved into predictable patterns, with Giannis’ post-ups and drives failing to create space for shooters like Kuzma (14.5 points per game as a Buck) or Lopez (a reliable three-point threat). The Pacers’ roster-wide contributions, with four starters scoring at least 14 points, exposed Milwaukee’s over-reliance on Giannis’ scoring.

    Contrast with Haliburton’s Impact

    Tyrese Haliburton, despite shooting poorly, impacted the game through playmaking and composure, rallying Indiana’s bench (led by T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin in prior games) to maintain offensive flow. Giannis, by contrast, couldn’t inspire similar contributions from Milwaukee’s role players. Bobby Portis, recently returned from suspension, and Kevin Porter Jr., a key addition, failed to provide the spark seen during the Bucks’ late-season surge. Giannis’ inability to galvanize these players in a hostile road environment underscores a leadership gap in Game 1.

    Contextual Factors: Not All on Giannis, But…

    To be fair, Giannis wasn’t the sole reason for the loss. The Bucks were without Lillard, their second-highest scorer, and the starting lineup’s poor three-point shooting (23.5%) limited their spacing. Indiana’s home-court advantage, bolstered by a 29-11 home record and a raucous Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd, also played a role. However, Giannis’ stature as an All-NBA first-team lock and the best player on the floor (as noted by multiple sources) means he’s held to a higher standard. His 36 points, while impressive, came at the cost of offensive rhythm, and his defensive miscues allowed Indiana to exploit Milwaukee’s vulnerabilities.

    Looking Ahead: Can Giannis Bounce Back?

    The Bucks’ 117-98 loss is not the end of the series, as Game 2 offers a chance for redemption. Giannis’ regular-season dominance against Indiana (30 points, 12.3 rebounds, 7.5 assists in four games) and his improved midrange game (averaging over 30 points with less than one three-pointer per game) suggest he can adjust. To turn the series around, Giannis must:

    1. Prioritize Playmaking: Increase his assist totals by finding open shooters, especially in transition, to counter Indiana’s fast-paced attack.
    2. Refine Shot Selection: Mix midrange jumpers with drives to keep Siakam and Turner off balance, reducing turnovers.
    3. Anchor the Defense: Stay disciplined in help situations and communicate to limit Indiana’s transition scoring.
    4. Lead with Poise: Settle his teammates early, fostering trust and patience to avoid the offensive stagnation seen in Game 1.

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Game 1 performance was a microcosm of his brilliance and flaws. His 36 points and 12 rebounds showcased his individual dominance, but his offensive inefficiencies, defensive lapses, and failure to elevate teammates allowed the Pacers to seize control. As the Bucks’ leader, Giannis bears significant responsibility for the loss, not because he didn’t produce, but because his production didn’t translate to team success. With a long series ahead, Giannis has the opportunity to learn from Game 1 and reassert his status as one of the NBA’s elite. Bucks fans, while disappointed, hope that the “Greek Freak” has the tools to turn the tide—starting with Game 2. Can Giannis stop being the selfish stat padding ball hog we have seen all year? Does he care more about himself looking good and a hero or about actually giving his team a chance to win and putting his ego aside?

    Sources: NBA.com, The Athletic, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Covers.com, Brew Hoop, JSONline.com, IndyStar.com, USA Today, Bleacher Report, and posts on X.

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Struggles Against the Hawks: A Night to Forget

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Struggles Against the Hawks: A Night to Forget

    On March 30, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Atlanta Hawks in a game that promised high stakes and intense competition. With the Bucks sitting at 40-33 and the Hawks at 35-38 in the Eastern Conference standings you would think for the Bucks it would be a walk in the park. For Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, this was another opportunity to showcase his MVP-calibre dominance. However, what unfolded at Fiserv Forum was an off-night for the “Greek Freak,” as he struggled mightily against a determined Hawks defensive, contributing to Milwaukee’s 145-124 loss. That’s their worse loss this season and you sure don’t hear MVP chants anymore…

    The Stats Tell a Story of Inefficiency

    Giannis finished the game with 31 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal in 30 minutes of play. On the surface, those numbers might not scream “disaster” for a player of his caliber—after all, 31 points is nothing to scoff at. But a deeper dive into his performance reveals a night marred by inefficiency and missed opportunities. He shot 11-for-18 from the field (61.1%), which is solid, but his free-throw shooting was a glaring weakness, converting just 9 of 14 attempts (64.3%). For a player who thrives at the rim and often lives at the charity stripe, this subpar performance from the line was costly.

    Moreover, Giannis went 0-for-1 from beyond the arc, continuing his season-long trend of minimal impact from three-point range and heading full steam to the worse 3pt% season in NBA history. While he’s never been a prolific outside shooter, his inability to stretch the floor allowed the Hawks to pack the paint and clog his driving lanes, a strategy that paid dividends for Atlanta.

    Turnovers and Defensive Lapses

    Beyond the box score, Giannis’s impact—or lack thereof—was felt in other areas. The Bucks were outscored by 21 points during his 30 minutes on the floor, a stark indicator of how Atlanta dominated when he was in the game. While turnovers aren’t explicitly detailed in the available data for this specific game, Giannis’s season average of 11th-ranked turnovers in the league (per team stats) suggests he’s prone to occasional ball-handling miscues. Against the Hawks easily managed to disrupt his rhythm, with players like Mouhamed Gueye and Onyeka Okongwu throwing off his timing. This likely led to rushed decisions and sloppy play, further compounding his struggles.

    Defensively, Giannis was quiet as he often is this season. He managed just one steal and no blocks. The Hawks, led by Trae Young’s play making and a barrage of perimeter scoring, torched Milwaukee for 145 points—the highest total the Bucks have allowed this season. Giannis couldn’t slow down Atlanta’s offensive onslaught, raising questions about his energy and focus on that end of the floor.

    Giannis has a strong track record against the Hawks, with a 21-17 record across 38 career matchups and averages of 23.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists. Earlier this season, he dropped 31 and 32 points in two games against Atlanta, showcasing his typical dominance. But March 30 was different. His 31 points came with a sense of labor rather than the effortless control fans are accustomed to seeing. The Hawks’ game plan—executed with precision—neutralised his strengths, forcing him into uncomfortable positions and limiting his usual game-changing impact. Giannis again had no mid range and even missed near the rim.

    What Went Wrong?

    Several factors contributed to Giannis’s subpar showing:

    1. Hawks’ Defensive Strategy: Atlanta’s use of Gueye and Okongwu to disrupt his timing, combined with perimeter players collapsing on his drives, threw off his rhythm. This forced Giannis into settling for contested shots or passing out of double-teams, reducing his efficiency.
    2. Free-Throw Woes: Missing five free throws in a 21-point loss is a glaring red flag. Giannis’s 64.3% clip from the line was well below his season average, and those missed points loomed large as the Hawks pulled away.
    3. His stat padding : Giannis keeps doing the same thing, making him predictable and easier to defend. The Hawks exploited this and Giannis has no bag to counter.
    4. Ball hogging as usual. Giannis by far held the ball more than anyone, even players with more minutes than him. It is hard to be involved or get a hot shooting hand when you don’t see the ball!

    The Bigger Picture

    The Bucks’ three-game losing streak, now extended to four with this loss, underscores broader team issues that Giannis has created to a large extent. For Bucks fans, this 145-124 drubbing is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given Giannis’s lacklustre performance. Against the Hawks, he failed to impose his will, couldn’t stop the bleeding defensively, and let inefficiency creep into his game at critical moments. It was a night where the Hawks had his number, and Giannis didn’t have an answer.

  • Why does Giannis always struggle against Hartenstein?

    Why does Giannis always struggle against Hartenstein?

    Isaiah Hartenstein’s strong performances against Giannis Antetokounmpo regardless of what team he plays on can be attributed to a combination of his physical attributes, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ, which align well with the challenges of guarding a player like Giannis. Hartenstein, standing at 7 feet with a solid frame, has the size and strength to at least contest Giannis’s drives to the basket, even if stopping him entirely is a tall order for anyone. His length and mobility allow him to stay in front of Giannis on some possessions, forcing the two-time MVP to work harder for his points. His familiarity with Giannis, having faced him multiple times across different teams (Rockets, Knicks, and now Thunder), might also play a role, giving him insight into tendencies and how to counter them. In other words, Giannis is pretty predictable and it no longer takes a “wall” to stop him, just one defender with higher IQ than him. Which isn’t hard to find!

    First, Giannis’s reliance on driving and rim pressure can be mitigated by Hartenstein’s size and rim protection. Giannis thrives when he gets a runway to the basket, using his speed and Eurostep to blow by defenders in easy matchups or when they don’t care. But Hartenstein, at 7 feet with a 7’2” wingspan, clogs the paint effectively. Giannis, who takes over 50% of his shots in the restricted area, can find his usual efficiency in easier games dip when Hartenstein meets him at the rim or forces him to settle for contested mid-range pull-ups—where Giannis shoots just 39% this year. Again tonight he was pathetic from mid range, that was a marketing myth created in an easy game stretch.

    Second, Giannis’s outside shooting remains a work in progress. His three-point percentage hovers around 28% for his career, and this season it’s even lower, yet another thing that has got worse in Giannis’ game. Hartenstein, like many smart defenders, can sag off Giannis beyond the arc, daring him to shoot while staying positioned to contest drives. Giannis often passes up those open looks or misses them, reducing his scoring versatility against a disciplined big who doesn’t overcommit.

    Third, Giannis’s playmaking can be disrupted by Hartenstein’s high basketball IQ. Hartenstein reads passing lanes well and uses his length to tip or intercept Giannis’s kickouts to shooters, especially in help defense. Let’s face it, Giannis is a terrible passer, in fact the worse in the league most seasons. This forces Giannis into tougher decisions—either take a lower-percentage shot or risk a turnover.

    Giannis’s game thrives on physical dominance, but Hartenstein’s strength and low center of gravity make it harder for Giannis to bully his way through. Unlike smaller defenders Giannis can overpower or slower bigs he can outrun, Hartenstein’s blend of agility and mass lets him body up without fouling as much—Giannis averages fewer free-throw attempts in some of these matchups (e.g., 8.6 FTA vs. Hartenstein’s teams recently compared to his season average of 11.3).

    Hartenstein’s physical tools and the Thunder’s top-ranked defensive scheme (allowing just 103.1 points per 100 possessions) amplify the impact of Giannis’s many limitations—like his inconsistent jumper and predictability—making those games feel like more of a grind for him.

  • Is Giannis the best or worse player in the NBA?

    Is Giannis the best or worse player in the NBA?

    Just don’t foul. Simple. Your team is 3 points ahead. There is nothing they can do if you don’t foul. Any 6 year old knows it. Only Giannis wasn’t playing basketball at six years old. He started late and his basketball IQ is zero. So he fouled. And then? There is one thing Giannis can do. Run and dunk. So he runs and with almost a second on the clock instead of going for the layup he….shoots a 3 pointer????!!!

    Let’s check the facts here. Giannis is not only shooting the 3 worse than ever in his personal career. He is shooting the 3 worse than any NBA player in the history of the NBA. And that is when he is not guarded and not running full speed.

    The Milwaukee Bucks squared off against the Indiana Pacers in what promised to be another showcase of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance. Coming into the game, the Bucks sat at 36-27, riding a wave of solid play with Giannis averaging 30.9 points, 12 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season on an absurd 60.8% field goal percentage. Sure, that is mainly from easy games and in harder matchups he disappears in clutch time. But against the Pacers specifically, he’s historically been a terror, posting 37.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over his last nine meetings with them entering this season. Fans expected the “Greek Freak” to feast once again at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Instead, what we got was a rare clunker—a performance so poor that it left Bucks fans scratching their heads because they have believing their own hype about Giannis.

    The Numbers Tell a Grim Story

    Giannis had a night to forget. Picture this: a stat line that might hover around 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists—numbers that, on paper, don’t scream “disaster” for most players. But for Giannis? That’s a shadow of his usual self, especially against a Pacers team he’s historically torched. A far cry from his season-long efficiency because he is a stat padder anyway you look at it. Throw in a handful of turnovers and maybe a 33% free-throw line, and you’ve got a recipe for a Giannis performance that’s more mortal than mythic. He always shoots much worse under pressure.

    The Bucks lost 115-114, a one-point heartbreaker, and Giannis’s fingerprints were all over the collapse.

    Where It Went Wrong: A Breakdown

    1. Inefficiency in the Paint
      Giannis lives in the paint. Against the Pacers, though, it seemed like Indiana had his number. Myles Turner and the Pacers’ frontcourt aren’t exactly known for shutting down superstars, but last night, they threw enough bodies at Giannis to disrupt his rhythm. If he was settling for contested mid-range jumpers or getting stuffed at the rim, that’s a red flag. The Pacers’ defense, ranked middling this season, shouldn’t be able to bottle him up like that—not when he’s healthy and locked in.
    2. Free-Throw Woes
      Giannis’s free-throw shooting has always been the Achilles’ heel of his game and I have written it will never improve. Last night, though, it might’ve reverted to its old, clanky ways. If he went 3-for-8—or worse—that’s not just points left on the table; it’s momentum handed to Indiana. In a one-point loss, every brick at the line stings twice as hard, and you can bet Bucks fans were groaning through his extended routine at the stripe.
    3. Turnovers Galore
      Giannis makes the turnovers pile up, in fact he has the worse assist to turnover ratio in the NBA every season. Against a Pacers team that thrives in transition—especially with Tyrese Haliburton pushing the pace—any sloppy passes or lost dribbles turned into quick buckets the other way. If he coughed it up four or five times, that’s a glaring issue. Indiana’s not elite defensively, but they’re scrappy enough to capitalize on mistakes, and Giannis gave them too many gifts.
    4. The Calf Factor
      Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Giannis has been listed as probable with a nagging left calf strain for weeks now. He’s played through it admirably since returning from a six-game absence in February, but last night, it might’ve finally caught up. Did he look a step slow driving to the basket? Were his explosiveness and lateral quickness dialed back just enough for the Pacers to exploit? It’s a pathetic excuse some people make. Giannis getting injured if anything just shows his low IQ in training as well as playing.

    The Eye Test: A Star Out of Sync

    Beyond the stats, Giannis was typical Giannis in harder games. That relentless energy, the ability to take over games single-handedly—it was missing as it always does when it matters. The Bucks have leaned on him and Damian Lillard as their one-two punch all season for easy games, but in a tight game like this, you would expect Giannis to impose his will. Instead, he seemed tentative, maybe even frustrated. The Pacers, coming off a 121-103 loss to the Bulls the night before, were ripe for the picking—especially with Haliburton questionable with a hip injury. Yet Giannis couldn’t seize the moment. He is a liability in the fourth quarter, we have seen it many times this season.

    The Bigger Picture: Cause for Concern?

    One bad game doesn’t define a season, especially for a two-time MVP who’s still in the thick of the MVP race. The Bucks remain a top-tier Eastern Conference team at 36-28 after the loss, and Giannis’s season-long brilliance—30.9 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists—speaks for itself. He’s crossed the 20,000-point career milestone, led Milwaukee to a title in 2021, and continues to be the heart of this squad. But last night’s stumble raises questions.

    Teams starting to figure out how to slow him down as the playoffs loom. Even without the famous Giannis wall, one defender that really wants to (and doesn’t mind risking injury against the stupid way Giannis attacks the rim) can stop him. Giannis can’t afford many more nights like this if Milwaukee wants to hold off surging teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers (54-10) or secure a top-four seed. And forget all talk about Giannis as MVP.

    Regular season easy games vs games that matter

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s every single metric is much much worse in high pressure games. He doesn’t have a mid range, he screws up both in defence and offence. His free throw shooting is a liability. He should not be on the floor in the fourth quarter. That simple. The worse of all is that he doesn’t know he hasn’t got the basketball IQ or skills to help his team win. So to answer the question Giannis is the worse player in the NBA. Because he doesn’t know what he can’t do and he costs his team everything when it counts the most. Easy game stat padding is almost meaningless.

     

  • Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Struggles as a Passer: Breaking Down His Assist-to-Turnover Woes

    Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Struggles as a Passer: Breaking Down His Assist-to-Turnover Woes

    So this is the assist to turnover ratio for last season:

    Yes, Giannis right at the top. How about the year before that?

    You get the picture, Giannis is a terrible passer, always at the top of that chart. His evolution into a pseudo-point guard role for the Bucks shows up one glaring weakness that persists in his game: his passing. Specifically, Giannis consistently ranks among the league’s worst in assist-to-turnover ratio, a metric that measures a player’s efficiency as a distributor. So, why does a player of his caliber struggle so much in this area? Let’s dive into the how and why behind Giannis’ passing woes.

    The Numbers Don’t Lie

    To understand the scope of Giannis’ struggles, we need to look at the stats. In the 2024-25 season (as of March 9, 2025), Giannis is averaging 6.0 assists per game against 3.5 turnovers, according to recent data. That gives him an assist-to-turnover ratio of roughly 1.71:1—far from elite for a player handling the ball as often as he does. For comparison, top-tier playmakers like Nikola Jokić (around 3.5:1) or Chris Paul (often above 4:1 in his prime) showcase the kind of efficiency Giannis lacks. Even among his peers with high usage rates, like LeBron James, Giannis’ ratio stands out as subpar. Here is this season so far, second worse in the league:

    Historically, this isn’t a new issue. Last season he had the worst assist-to-turnover ratio in the NBA, and while that claim requires context (usage rate, role, etc.), it’s not far from the truth when looking at players with similar ball-handling responsibilities. Over his career, Giannis has improved his assist numbers—from 2.6 per game in his sophomore season to nearly 6.0 now—but his turnovers have climbed alongside them, often hovering around 3.0 to 4.0 per game. The result? A ratio that rarely cracks the 2:1 mark, a benchmark for competent playmaking. It is almost as if all he cares about is the absolute number of assists for his double doubles and triple doubles. Hell, could he be the definition of a stat padder?

    How Giannis’ Style Leads to Turnovers

    So, what’s happening on the court? Giannis’ passing struggles stem from a combination of his playing style, physical attributes, and decision-making tendencies.

    1. Reliance on Power Over Precision
      Giannis is a freight train in transition and a bulldozer in the half-court, using his 6’11” frame and 7’3” wingspan to overwhelm defenders. This physical dominance is his superpower, but it doesn’t translate seamlessly to passing. Unlike finesse passers like Jokić or Draymond Green, Giannis doesn’t rely on pinpoint accuracy or subtle reads. His passes often come out of sheer necessity—kicking the ball out after drawing a double-team or forcing a feed into tight windows—rather than calculated design. This leads to sloppy deliveries, intercepted lobs, or balls sailing out of bounds.
    2. High Usage, High Risk
      Giannis’ usage rate consistently ranks among the league’s highest—around 28-30% in recent seasons, per available data. The Bucks’ offense runs through him, whether he’s driving to the rim or initiating from the top of the key. With so much responsibility, turnovers are inevitable, especially for a player who isn’t a natural playmaker. Guards like James Harden or Luka Dončić, who also have high usage, offset their turnovers with elite vision and ball-handling. Giannis, however, lacks the same level of control, often dribbling into traffic or attempting ambitious passes his skill set can’t consistently execute.
    3. Limited Perimeter Game
      Giannis’ lack of a reliable jump shot forces him into predictable patterns. Defenses sag off him, clogging the paint and daring him to pass out of pressure. While he’s improved at finding open teammates—hence the uptick in assists—this also increases his turnover risk. He’s often surrounded by multiple defenders, leaving little margin for error on his passes. Smaller, quicker guards can thread needles or manipulate angles; Giannis, with his size and longer release, struggles to do so under duress.

    Why He’s “Terrible” Compared to Peers

    Calling Giannis a “terrible passer” might feel harsh given his assist totals, but the assist-to-turnover ratio highlights a real deficiency relative to his peers. Players like LeBron James or even Draymond Green, who also play point-forward roles, maintain ratios above 2.5:1 or even 3:1 in peak seasons. Jokić, another big man with playmaking duties, blows Giannis out of the water with his efficiency. So, why does Giannis lag behind?

    • Vision and Anticipation: Giannis’ court vision is not instinctual. He reacts to what he sees rather than anticipating plays two steps ahead, a hallmark of elite passers. This reactive style leads to late passes that defenders can jump.
    • Ball-Handling: For all his athletic gifts, Giannis’ handle is loose compared to smaller guards. He’s prone to strips or losing control in tight spaces, inflating his turnover count.
    • Role Mismatch: The Bucks ask Giannis to be a hybrid of a point guard and a rim-running big. It’s a tall order, and while he’s adapted admirably, he’s not wired for the precision that role demands at an elite level.

    Giannis started playing ball late in life. He simply does not have the fast responses of other players that grew up on the court and are used to pressure.

    Still, the efficiency gap remains. The Bucks’ system mitigates some of this by surrounding him with shooters and cutters, but it can’t fully mask his limitations. When compared to players who marry high assist totals with low turnovers, Giannis’ passing looks pedestrian—or worse.

    Can He Fix It?

    At 30 years old, Giannis isn’t likely to transform into a Chris Paul-level distributor. His physical tools and relentless drive are his identity, and the Bucks have won a championship with him as their chaotic, turnover-prone fulcrum. Maybe it was an extremely lucky championship run. Maybe Khris got the team through the hardest parts of those playoffs in clutch situations. That said, small improvements—like tightening his handle, refining his reads, or simplifying his passes—could nudge his ratio closer to respectability.

    Conclusion: A Flawed Giant

    Giannis Antetokounmpo’s passing struggles, epitomized by his poor assist-to-turnover ratio, are a byproduct of his unique game. He got himseld into a playmaker’s role, because he wants the ball in order to get easy buckets by running the floor but he is faltering where precision matters most. Is he a “terrible passer”? In the context of efficiency metrics, yes—he’s always among the league’s worst for his role. No two ways about it. The Bucks will not get far with Giannis running the floor like this.

  • Giannis does it again (cost us the game)

    Giannis does it again (cost us the game)

    Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s most well known and loved players, but he’s had too many moments in big games where mistakes impacted the Milwaukee Bucks’ chances of winning. Pinpointing specific errors that definitively “cost” a game can be tricky—basketball is a team sport, and outcomes often hinge on collective performance—but there are notable instances in crucial matchups where Giannis’s decisions or miscues played a significant role in a Bucks loss. I did a different blog post with the stats (check it out here) but I thought I should remind you all of some stand out dumb plays which are characteristic.

    Tonight was a characteristic example. With the Bucks down 104-103 and 30 seconds left, Giannis fouled Alperen Sengun in the backcourt—an unnecessary play given the situation. Sengun made both free throws, pushing the lead to three, and Houston held on to win 106-103. Giannis had 34 points and 14 rebounds, but that low-IQ foul shifted the game’s outcome, as the Bucks couldn’t recover. It was a pivotal mistake, reflecting fan frustration with his decision-making in crunch time. Because he does it all the time.

    One glaring example comes from the 2023 playoffs, Game 5 of the Eastern Conference First Round against the Miami Heat. The Bucks, up 3-1 in the series, lost 128-126 in overtime at home, getting eliminated by the 8th-seeded Heat. Giannis struggled at the free-throw line, going 10-for-23 for the game. In the clutch, with the Bucks down by two in the final seconds of regulation, he missed two free throws that could have tied it up. Miami’s Jimmy Butler then forced OT with a buzzer-beater. Giannis finished with 38 points and 20 rebounds, but those misses—especially given his season-long 64.5% free-throw shooting—shifted momentum and left the Bucks vulnerable. The Heat sealed the upset, and Giannis’s free-throw woes were a key talking point.

    Another instance is from the 2020 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Game 4 against the Heat. The Bucks were down 2-1 in the series, and this game was pivotal to avoid a 3-1 hole. Late in the fourth quarter, with the score tight, Giannis committed an offensive foul by charging into a defender while driving to the basket. He finished with 19 points before exiting early due to an ankle injury, but that foul—his fifth—sapped Milwaukee’s momentum at a critical juncture. The Heat won 115-104, taking a commanding series lead. Miami’s defensive scheme, often called the “wall,” baited Giannis into physical drives, and his decision to barrel through rather than pass or pull up was a costly misjudgment. The Bucks lost the series in five.

    In the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals, Game 4 versus the Toronto Raptors, Giannis’s play contributed to a turning point in the series. Milwaukee led 2-1, but Toronto stormed back to win 120-102. Giannis scored 12 points on 5-for-16 shooting and fouled out with over seven minutes left after picking up his sixth foul on a questionable defensive reach. His absence down the stretch let Toronto pull away. He also turned the ball over seven times, including sloppy passes under pressure from Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors’ swarming defense. The Bucks dropped the next two games, and the series slipped away. Giannis’s inability to stay disciplined and on the floor was a factor in squandering their lead.

    Finally, in the 2021 NBA Finals, Game 5 against the Phoenix Suns—while the Bucks ultimately won the title—Giannis nearly cost them a crucial win. Up 3-1 in the series, Milwaukee led 108-107 with under a minute left. Giannis, guarding Devin Booker, overcommitted on a pump fake, fouling Booker and sending him to the line. Booker made both free throws, giving Phoenix a 109-108 lead. Giannis redeemed himself with a block on Deandre Ayton seconds later, preserving a 123-119 victory, but that defensive lapse could’ve swung the game and the series momentum. It’s a rare Finals example where his error didn’t fully cost them, but it teetered on the edge.

    These moments—free-throw misses, offensive fouls, turnovers, and poor defensive decisions—showcase recurring themes in Giannis’s game: occasional recklessness driving to the rim, struggles with free throws in clutch spots, and lapses in discipline under pressure. Context matters—teammate injuries, coaching decisions, and opponents’ brilliance (like Butler’s 2023 heroics)—also shaped these outcomes. Most Bucks’ fans use them to excuse Giannis. But in these high-stakes games, Giannis’s miscues were the real difference-makers.

    Everyone acts as if he is improving. He isn’t. If anything the difference between what Giannis thinks he can do and reality now has an even bigger gap. Doc Rivers knows and tries to keep him out. But he still finds a way to mess up high pressure games.

    Here is his box score

    Yeah, as usual. Basically only stat padding defensive rebounds. As usual the wasted 3 point attempt. And particularly bad shooting.

  • Giannis: the king of travelling

    Giannis: the king of travelling

    Hey, the kid got to learning basketball fundamentals late. Not his fault. Once again this season he is No1 in most travel violations: (These are just the ones he gets called for.)

    He has played five games less than Evan Mobley and many more minutes. If we factor in those we have this chart for Stable Travels/75

    1. Giannis Antetokounmpo 2. Jalen Johnson 3. Evan Mobley 4. Coby White 5. Vasilije Micic 6. LaMelo Ball 7. Deni Avdija 8. Tyrese Maxey 9. Zach LaVine 10. Bobby Portis (Must be infectious then!)

    But Giannis is king of many other negative stats too. Double dribbles, palming (when a player’s hand comes to rest underneath the ball and momentarily carries it instead of dribbling), offensive fouls (23 so far this season already!) and charges where he is also leading the league.

    People like to pretend these are not important, but the totals tally up to an enormous number of wasted offences which don’t appear in other statistics. While you (and Giannis) are busy talking triple doubles and just points/rebounds/assists, you seem to forget that the purpose of playing is winning. Not just looking good in certain statistics.

    Maybe look more often at advanced stats which measure more factors if you don’t understand ball, eh?

    (Suprise! Giannis appears in none of them.)

    Add on stat courtesy of Becky on Facebook, just saw it and it is relevant. Giannis last season had the 6th most goal tending violations. Given that his defensive stats are all down (especially compared to the others on this list) it is pretty worrying.

  • Is Giannis the King of the turnover?

    Is Giannis the King of the turnover?

    Again, sit and think for a second about all the times someone has said “wow, Giannis is developing his court vision lately!” or “incredible pass by Giannis!” It is a lot like his 3point shot, a creature so rare that everybody is in a buzz. “What if he started being able to do that every time?”

    Except he doesn’t. It’s like homeopathy claiming there is “new research coming soon” to prove it works. Yeah well it’s been several centuries without proof that homeopathy works. And eleven seasons of Giannis in the NBA making turnovers. And it’s getting worse, this year he is on track to break last season’s record.

    Of course he leads the NBA in turnovers for his position.

    Oh but that’s unfair. Let’s judge him in relation to the number of assists he makes, shall we? Here are the league leaders so far for this season.

    And there is Giannis.

    That is 1.69 if you don’t want to go looking for a calculator. But that isn’t even the start of Giannis problems with turnovers. 97th in the NBA this season. So why the hell is he holding the ball and bringing it down for the Bucks?

  • The Bucks are at a dead end. And it’s on Giannis

    The Bucks are at a dead end. And it’s on Giannis

    A long time ago, as they often recount the tale, the Bucks brought a young athletic boy to their town. Sure he couldn’t dribble or shoot, but his body had amazing and unique characteristics. And he worked really hard. And the Bucks did everything they could to make him comfortable, brought his family over and much more.

    So as he started playing he won people over with his smile. It also became apparent he needed a mentor on the court, Khris was ideal and he has done it selflessly for all these years. Giannis had no clue about how the NBA game worked. Khris took the slack for him in any situation that Giannis couldn’t understand or simply lacked the skills.

    In defence that was Jrue’s job. Giannis can’t read opponents. He can’t operate fast enough. So Jrue plugged the holes. As the Bucks playing style evolved to suit Giannis they looked for young, cheap and no ego sharp shooters to spread around the floor. And when it came time for a center to help in the paint, they picked Brook precisely because of his lethal (and then quite unique for a big) 3 point ability.

    And it worked! With a lot of good luck in the playoffs and thanks to Khris, Jrue and Brook they got Giannis to the Finals. That series was the Bucks’ to lose as it turned out and they quite easily won it. Giannis even had an epic 50 point game for the books. Heck he even scored free throws! And what did he do?

    In the ultimate show of inexperience he said, implied and outright shouted two pretty lethal messages:

    1. I did this the right way, no help, no superteam
    2. We are going to run it back next year.

    1. About the “right way” he was soooo wrong. As I explain here that Bucks team was a superteam. But most importantly Giannis proclaimed to the whole world that he was the Bucks. On his own. Solo. No super team, just a bunch of losers and him.

    2. So they didn’t “run it back”. Αny player staying on after this had to further suck up any ego or leave. The narrative almost every game the Bucks lost from then on is “Giannis tried but was let down by the rest of the roster.” Every single time. He is busy stat padding, hogging the ball, everyone else looks terrible.

    What player in his right mind would even consider joining such a team? You would have to be pretty desperate, have no ego and no other offers. Enter poor Damien Lillard. A player who almost damaged the Blazers in a similar fashion except he is smarter and the Blazers realised it sooner and built a young core better. And of course Dame starts and gets the same abuse as everyone else. He has to work with Giannis’ inferior basketball IQ yet not make him look bad on court. This is a conundrum that Khris had figured out to a certain extent but is getting too old to carry for a whole game like he used to. Dame has to wait for Giannis to do his thing and if he gets stuck in traffic has to hope Giannis will see him so that he can get a – usually terrible – pass from him to try and score with little time and with the entire opponent’s roster knowing that he has few options.

    So Dame does the Khris thing. In crunch time Giannis just keeps giving him the ball as if saying “dude I have no idea what to do when up against teams that actually defend against me!” The problem is that Giannis has believed his own hype. He keeps training for strength, he keeps trying to play bully ball, he just looks at points/assists/rebounds at the end of the game as if that is all that matters. When they win in the regular season against lesser opponents the NBA media and the Bucks marketing team shout a lot about his personal stats looking for rare and weird ones like 30point games with more than 3.14 times rotation of the Earth around Jupiter while the game was being played. When they lose against better opponents or anyone that bothers to defend Giannis with a bit of effort it is “Giannis tried but XYZ.” The narrative is always “Giannis is top dog, must be the rest of them at fault“.

    And he is killing the Bucks in the meantime.

    (PS Tonight the Bucks lost to the Blazers. Giannis was “player of the game” according to Bucks marketing and many fans. How does that make sense? He controlled the game most of the time other than the first quarter when he let Dame bring the ball down for a while. He just kept running the same play and forcing the Bucks to play in the same way even though it was clearly not working. What would his idol Lebron James have done? Got more players involved. Changed it up. At worse Giannis should have left the younger players get more minutes. You are not the “best player” when you are effectively killing your team both short term and in the long term.)