When Giannis Doesn't Take the Bait & Stays in the Paint, He's Unstoppable

After Milwaukee’s dominant performance in Game 6 to even the series, it’s time for the best two words in sports: “Game Seven”. KD had 32 points for Brooklyn, but there wasn’t a whole lot of offensive production outside of him. The Bucks duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton dominated the game, combining for 68 points and 27 rebounds. They each shot at least 60% from the field as well. The series will now head back to Brooklyn for the winner-take-all Game 7 with a conference championship spot on the line.

INTERESTING FACTS

Giannis did not register a 3PA in 1 playoff GP for the 1st time since 2018
Joined Larry Bird as the only 2 players to average 20+ PPG/10+ RPG/5+ APG through their 1st 50 career playoff GP
Giannis/Middleton are the 2nd duo with 30+ PTS & 10+ REB in the same GP 2x during the same postseason in NBA history

Odds vs. BKN: MIL -200 (Spread -5.5)
MIL Stock Price: $9.48 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

WHEN GIANNIS DOESN’T TAKE THE BAIT & STAYS IN THE PAINT, HE’S UNSTOPPABLE

COLORS KEY | FULL BUCKS OUTLOOK

Most teams that face Giannis will allow him to shoot the deep ball for two reasons. The first is that he shoots below the league’s average by about seven percent, and secondly, they know he’s unstoppable when he gets in the paint. In Game 6, The Greek Freak didn’t settle for the long shots, and instead drove to the lane, which is when he’s at his best.

Antetokounmpo didn’t even attempt a three-pointer for the first time over the last three postseason, but still finished with 30 points and shot 60% from the field, proving that when he doesn’t take the bait, he’s impossible to guard. The 2x regular season NBA MVP has struggled in the playoffs but when he plays his game, he’s dominant, especially against a weak interior Nets defense. Giannis’ mental approach to the game completely dictates how he performs, because the only thing that can stop him is himself.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Giannis couldn’t be stopped in the lane

Giannis to the rack 💪 pic.twitter.com/StbC714i1r
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 18, 2021

It’s too easy for Giannis 💨 pic.twitter.com/HnPPZb7wkC
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 18, 2021

Giannis is taking over 😨 pic.twitter.com/CTPghqZ74j
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 18, 2021

Giannis threw it DOWN 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nUpaMol6V4
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 18, 2021

The Greek Freak goes for 30 and 17

30 points & 17 BOARDS for @Giannis_An34 help power the @Bucks to GAME 7! #ThatsGame #NBAPlayoffs
📅 Saturday, 8:30pm/et, TNT pic.twitter.com/qRJZ8sdjHg
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2021