Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo's Game 1 impact bodes trouble for Celtics in Eastern stephen curry jersey for kids 6 to 7 Conference Semifinals
As golden state warriors jerseys a team, the Celtics shot 2-for-23 on contested 2-pointers (8.7 percent), the second-worst field goal percentage on contested 2-pointers in a postseason game since ESPN bega eden hall warriors jersey n tracki stephen curry jersey all star ng the stat in 2014, Goldsberry
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Giannis Antetokounmpo once again proved Tim Duncan that he is the best player in the world in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Celtics on Sunday.
It's no secret that the key to beating the Bucks is containing the reigning Finals MVP. Even when the Celtics' tenacious defense found a way to make his life difficult as a scorer, Antetokounmpo still managed to make a winning impact in other facets of the game.
Antetokounmpo went for 24 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in the victory, recording the second postseason triple-double of his career. The fact that he shot 9-for-25 from the field and was still the most dominant player on the floor is a scary sight for the Celtics in this series.
But what did Antetokounmpo do to make his presence felt witho warriors jersey kids steph curry ut his typical efficient scoring?
MORE: Slowing down Giannis: Can Celtics do the impossible?
Offensively, his playmaking carved up Boston's top-ranked defense. The Celtics' plan to defend Antetokounmpo was similar to the blueprint they used to contain all-world scorer Kevin Durant in the first round.
Al Horford drew the primary assignment, but the Celtics were extremely aggressive on traps and double-teams, collapsing on Antetokounmpo when he had the ball inside the arc. After Boston's pressure forced Antetokounmpo into a few early turnovers, the All-Star forward really settled in and made all the right reads to create open looks for his teammates.
Antetokounmpo's 12 as stephen curry retro jersey sists resulted in seven 3-pointers and five 2-pointers, creating 31 points for his team. Even though it didn't count as an assist, Antetokounmpo's self-pass off the glass was the can't-miss highlight of the game.
He d stephen curry jersey picture idn't have his usual touch inside the paint, but Antetokounmpo still accounted for 55 of the Bucks' 101 points, just shy of the 50 percent mark.
MORE: How Bucks can replace Khris Middleton's production
And then there was his defense.
Antetokounmpo has perfecte Kevin Durant d his role as a roaming defender, covering absurd amounts of ground in the blink of an eye to send fear into potential attackers around the basket.
Antetokounmpo's help defense played a key role in the Celtics shooting their lowest field goal Russell Westbrook percentage of the entire season, only converting 33.3 percent of their attempts.
In fact, Boston only converted 10 2-point field goals in Game 1 — their lowest number in franchise history.
Between Antetokounmpo and Brook L NBA Home and Office Supplies opez, the Bucks completely walled up the paint, forcing the Celtics to settle for 50 3-point attempts. According to ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry, the Celtics shot 3-for-20 from the field when Antetokounmpo or Lopez contested the shot, inc NBA Bobbleheads luding 1-for-15 (!!) on 2-pointers.
As golden state warriors jerseys a team, the Celtics shot 2-for-23 on contested 2-pointers (8.7 percent), the second-worst field goal percentage on contested 2-pointers in a postseason game since ESPN began tracki stephen curry jersey all star ng the stat in 2014, Goldsberry added.
Antetokounmpo's ability to adapt and impact winning with high-level passes and defense — even when he didn't have it rolling as a scorer — is terrifying for the Celtics in this series. How will Boston adjust in Game 2?
