MILWAUKEE — The band of thunderstorms that rolled by way of Milwaukee on Wednesday afternoon have been befitting of town’s temper forward of an important Game 2 for the Bucks. If being down 1-0 to the No. 8 seed Miami warmth of their first-round sequence wasn’t unhealthy sufficient, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s again was too sore for him to play.
But by the tip of the evening, a way of calm had returned inside and outdoors Fiserv Forum. As the skies quieted, the Bucks turned in some of the dominant performances we have seen from any staff this postseason. They tied an NBA playoff report with 25 3-pointers en path to a 138-122 win that evened the sequence at 1-1.
The staff realized Antetokounmpo wouldn’t play shortly earlier than tip-off, placing them in an unenviable spot, however one they have been in loads of instances earlier than — each this season and in earlier playoff runs. They have been prepared for the scenario and able to ship a message.
“Got large fella out, 34, he is out, there’s eyebrows raised, like ‘Oh man, can the Bucks win?'” Bobby Portis mentioned. “But we have been taking part in lots of ball with out him all year long. Just coming in, being ourselves, taking part in, having enjoyable, letting the ball fly, sharing the basketball, taking part in protection, being related. I believe the sense of urgency was actually excessive. Can’t go down 0-2, dropping each video games at house, that would not have been proper in any respect.”
It wouldn’t have been proper after the common season the Bucks put collectively, wherein they gained 58 video games and earned the No. 1 general seed within the playoffs. They did so thanks primarily to Antetokounmpo, who put collectively one other MVP-caliber marketing campaign, but additionally as a result of they’ve one of many deepest rosters within the league, and that abundance of veteran expertise got here in helpful in Game 2.
Brook Lopez (25 factors) and Jrue Holiday (24 factors, 5 rebounds, 11 assists) stepped as much as paved the way, however they have been simply two of many. The Bucks had seven gamers in double figures, and 6 scored a minimum of 15 factors, which matched a playoff report. They additionally had six who hit a minimum of two 3-pointers throughout their historic capturing efficiency and, as an entire, assisted on 35 of their 53 discipline targets.
“It takes the entire staff,” Khris Middleton mentioned. “I believe you noticed that tonight. It wasn’t only one man that carried us. Lots of people anticipate me or Jrue to tackle all of the load that Giannis does, however what he does, we will not match. We must do it by committee, and also you noticed that tonight.”
Special point out should go to 1 committee member: Pat Connaughton. He acquired a DNP — Coach’s Decision in Game 1, however got here off the bench in Game 2 to hit six 3s on the way in which to a playoff career-high 22 factors, 4 rebounds, and three assists. During the common season, he had reached 20 factors simply as soon as, making this outing that rather more spectacular.
“He was a distinction maker,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer mentioned. “There have been most likely lots of distinction makers for us tonight, however for PC to return in and provides us that. The steal and the layup, all of the 3s, the hustle performs, the attention defensively — he is form of the final word teammate, the final word professional, and it confirmed tonight.”
The Bucks’ depth was displayed in Game 2, as was their expertise and belief in each other. The core of this group has been by way of numerous playoff battles collectively; they know one another’s strengths and weaknesses and find out how to up the urgency for video games like this with out dropping their id.
“That’s what it is about,” Middleton mentioned. “We assume we’ve one of the best participant on the earth, however we predict we’ve one of the best guys round him, one of the best staff. That’s what offers us confidence when one man goes down. We really feel like we nonetheless have an opportunity to compete on the highest stage.”
How lengthy the Bucks could also be shorthanded stays to be seen. Antetokounmpo is trending in the suitable course; he is performed some work on the courtroom and was listed as questionable earlier than Game 2. With one other few days off earlier than Game 3 in Miami on Saturday, he could also be cleared to make his return.
But even when he does not, that will not faze the Bucks. They’ve been right here earlier than. They’ve weathered these storms.
“I informed him this morning, I do know you are gonna wish to come again, however in case you do not, simply know we received you,” Holiday mentioned. “Our staff has the final word confidence in one another. We know the way Giannis is. He’s going to attempt to make that Superman effort and are available again and play 48 minutes and do what he does, however we are able to maintain down the fort till he comes again.”
