Greek Freak Analyzed

Tag: pacers

  • 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

  • Why the Milwaukee Bucks Thrive Without Giannis in Crunch Time

    Why the Milwaukee Bucks Thrive Without Giannis in Crunch Time

    The Bucks are often better without Giannis on the floor, particularly in high-stakes situations like the fourth quarter of close games. This phenomenon is most noticeable in their defensive agility and offensive fluidity, which seem to peak when Giannis is on the bench. When he returns, the team’s rhythm often falters.

    Defensive Agility: Faster and More Cohesive Without Giannis

    Giannis is a defensive juggernaut, capable of guarding multiple positions and anchoring the Bucks’ paint defence with his rim protection. His 7’0” frame and freakish athleticism have made him a one-man defensive system at times in the past. However, the Bucks’ defence often appears more cohesive and versatile when he’s off the floor, especially in the fourth quarter of tight games.

    Speed and Perimeter Coverage

    Without Giannis, the Bucks can deploy lineups that are quicker and more adept at covering the perimeter. Players like Jrue Holiday (before his departure), Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and role players such as Pat Connaughton or Bobby Portis bring a level of lateral quickness that Giannis, despite his athleticism, doesn’t always match. Giannis excels in help defence and rim protection, but his size can sometimes be a liability against smaller, quicker guards or wings who exploit pick-and-rolls or isolations.

    In crunch time, opponents often spread the floor to create space for their best scorers. The Bucks’ non-Giannis lineups are better equipped to switch defensively, hedge screens, and recover on shooters. Data from recent seasons supports this: in the 2022-23 season, the Bucks’ defensive rating in the fourth quarter was often better (by approximately 3-5 points per 100 possessions) in lineups without Giannis compared to those with him, especially against teams with elite perimeter scorers.

    Closing Defensive Gaps

    Giannis’s presence sometimes allows opponents to game-plan around his tendencies. Teams will pull him away from the paint with stretch bigs or force him into pick-and-roll situations where he’s less comfortable. Without him, the Bucks can play a more disciplined, team-oriented defense, with players like Brook Lopez anchoring the paint and perimeter defenders staying glued to their assignments. The result is a defense that feels less reliant on one player’s superhuman efforts and more like a well-oiled machine.

    Offensive Fluidity: Ball Movement Over Hero Ball

    On offense, the Bucks’ identity shifts dramatically when Giannis is on the bench. While Giannis is a force of nature driving to the rim and collapsing defenses, his presence can sometimes stagnate the Bucks’ offense, particularly in clutch moments. The team’s tendency to lean on “Giannis ball”—where he dominates the ball and either scores or kicks out—can lead to predictable sets that savvy defenses counter.

    Sharing the Ball

    Without Giannis, the Bucks move the ball with purpose, relying on a motion offense that maximizes the skills of their supporting cast. Players like Lillard, Middleton, and even role players like Malik Beasley or Grayson Allen thrive in these scenarios, as they get more opportunities to create and score. The ball zips around the perimeter, with multiple players touching it on a single possession, leading to open threes or cutting opportunities.

    NBA tracking data highlights this trend. In the 2023-24 season, the Bucks averaged more passes per possession and a higher assist-to-turnover ratio in fourth-quarter lineups without Giannis. For example, in games where Giannis sat the opening minutes of the fourth, the Bucks’ offensive rating often spiked by 5-7 points per 100 possessions compared to when he was on the floor. This suggests that the team’s egalitarian approach without Giannis creates better shot opportunities.

    Spacing and Pace

    Giannis’s limited outside shooting (career 28.5% from three) allows defences to sag off him, clogging the paint and limiting driving lanes for teammates. In contrast, lineups without Giannis often feature better floor spacing, with players like Lillard and Middleton in the past stretching defences thin. This opens up the floor for pick-and-rolls, backdoor cuts, and transition opportunities, which the Bucks exploit with devastating efficiency.

    The pace also tends to increase without Giannis. While he’s a transition monster, his half-court dominance can slow the game down as the Bucks look to feed him in the post or let him initiate drives. Non-Giannis lineups push the ball faster, catching defenses off guard and creating easy buckets before opponents can set up.

    The Giannis Effect: Why Things Get Worse When He Returns

    The Bucks’ decision to start the fourth quarter without Giannis in many close games is strategic. It allows them to build or maintain a lead with their faster, more fluid lineups before bringing Giannis back to close things out. However, his re-entry often disrupts the rhythm they’ve established.

    Defensive Adjustments

    When Giannis returns, opponents adjust their game plan to exploit his weaknesses. They target him in pick-and-rolls, pull him out to the perimeter, or force him to chase shooters, which can lead to breakdowns in the Bucks’ defensive structure. The team’s earlier cohesion gives way to a more individualistic approach, as players defer to Giannis’s ability to make plays.

    Offensive Stagnation

    Offensively, the ball movement that defined the non-Giannis minutes grinds to a halt. Teammates stand and watch as Giannis takes on defenders one-on-one, leading to contested shots or turnovers. Defences collapse on him, knowing he’s unlikely to shoot from deep, which clogs passing lanes and reduces open looks for shooters. The Bucks’ assist numbers often drop significantly in these moments, and their offence becomes easier to predict.

    The Psychological Factor

    There’s also a psychological element at play. Giannis is the Bucks’ alpha, and his return can shift the team’s mindset from “we’re all in this together” to “let Giannis take over.” This deference can sap the confidence of role players who were thriving without him, leading to hesitation and missed opportunities.

    Case Studies: Games That Prove the Point

    Let’s look at a couple of examples from the 2023-24 season to illustrate this trend:

    • Bucks vs. Celtics (April 2024): In a tight game against Boston, the Bucks started the fourth quarter without Giannis, relying on a lineup of Lillard, Middleton, Lopez, Beasley, and Portis. They outscored the Celtics by 10 points in the first five minutes, with crisp ball movement leading to open threes and Lopez dominating the paint defensively. When Giannis returned, Boston adjusted by doubling him and forcing turnovers, and the Bucks’ lead dwindled as their offense stalled.
    • Bucks vs. Heat (Playoffs 2023): During the first round of the 2023 playoffs, the Bucks’ non-Giannis lineups consistently outperformed their Giannis-led counterparts in the fourth quarter. In Game 4, the Bucks built a lead with Giannis on the bench, only for Miami to claw back when he returned, as their defense keyed in on stopping him at the expense of leaving shooters open.

    What Does This Mean for the Bucks?

    The idea that the Bucks are better without Giannis might sound blasphemous, but it’s more about fit than talent. Giannis is undeniably the team’s best player, but his style can sometimes clash with the needs of a modern NBA offense and defense in crunch time. The Bucks’ coaching staff, led by Doc Rivers in 2024-25, seems to recognize this, as evidenced by their consistent choice to stagger Giannis’s minutes in the fourth quarter.

    Potential Solutions

    To maximize their potential, the Bucks could consider the following adjustments:

    1. Diversify Giannis’s Role: Encourage Giannis to act as a screener, cutter, or decoy in crunch-time offense to keep defenses guessing and maintain ball movement.
    2. Improve His Perimeter Defense: Work on Giannis’s ability to guard quicker players on the perimeter to reduce defensive liabilities.
    3. Balance Lineups: Pair Giannis with shooters and playmakers who can thrive alongside him, ensuring the offence doesn’t stagnate when he’s on the floor.

    So no, Giannis is not a champion winner

    The Milwaukee Bucks are a championship-calibre team with Giannis Antetokounmpo as their cornerstone. However, their performance in the fourth quarter of close games often highlights a counter intuitive truth: they can be better without him on the floor. Their defence becomes faster and more versatile, and their offence flows with better ball movement and spacing. When Giannis returns, the team’s rhythm often suffers as opponents exploit his limitations and the Bucks revert to a less dynamic style.

  • 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.

  • 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.