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The Milwaukee Bucks decimated the Atlanta Hawks in game 2 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals to tie the series 1-1. It was the perfect comeback after a narrow home game loss in Game 1.
The Milwaukee Bucks ran the Atlanta Hawks ragged as they struggled to get on the scoresheet. It was a masterful showing from every player on the Bucks roster as they completely dominated the Atlanta Hawks, winning Game 2 125-91.
Although we are in the early stages of the tie, it could slip away in the blink of an eye, which is why the Atlanta Hawks need to get a handle on things and take the game to the Milwaukee Bucks.
With Game 3 around the corner, Nate McMillan has under 48 hours to get his team right. On that note, here are five things the Atlanta Hawks must do to bounce back against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals.
#1 The Atlanta Hawks need to be more decisive with every possession
The Atlanta Hawks played the entire Game 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks like a team that had no idea of plays to execute. That forced so many wasted possessions in the form of bad shot selection, shot clock violations, and steals. Trae Young had nine turnovers in Game 2, the worst of his career so far.
Mistakes like these tend to be very costly, especially against the Milwaukee Bucks team that finished the regular season ranked second in pace. The Atlanta Hawks' errors in possession have resulted in 30 turnovers and 42 fastbreak points for the Bucks so far in the series.
If the Atlanta Hawks hope to give the Milwaukee Bucks a good fight for the remainder of this series, they need to take better care of the ball and make smart decisions.
#2 The Atlanta Hawks need to stop the Milwaukee Bucks from getting high percentage looks
The Milwaukee Bucks have lived in the Atlanta Hawks' paint all series long, with a total of 132 points in the paint. Such high percentage looks will, more often than not, be converted with players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez on the floor.
The Atlanta Hawks will need to collapse their defense and force the Bucks to kick it outside. The Milwaukee Bucks have struggled to knock down threes in this series, which is why it would be best to force them into making such shots. As long as the Bucks continue to register points in the paint, it means they are being allowed to be comfortable and is a testament to the poor Hawks' defense.
#3 Do a better job contending with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been sensational for the Milwaukee Bucks in this series. The Atlanta Hawks have not found a way to stop him from attacking the rim. It seems as though Giannis has learned from his mistakes in the Eastern Conference Semi-finals, where he settled for a three-point shot and cost his team the game.
Although Giannis is a different breed, the Atlanta Hawks have recorded success defending an equally dominant big man in the paint. Although Joel Embiid does not have the speed and skill Giannis has, the combination of John Collins and Clint Capela did a decent job in restricting his production for the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Atlanta Hawks are scared to double-team the Greek Freak as they are reasonably scared of outside shots from the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Giannis has cost them more problems than the combination of Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, and Pat Connaughton's three-point shooting.
Giannis registered 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in only 29 minutes of play in Game 2. Stopping him is a step in the right direction towards getting ahead in this series.
#4 Increased production from the Atlanta Hawks bench
The Atlanta Hawks bench, with the exception of Danilo Gallinari, has been non-existent in this series against the Milwaukee Bucks. They are not producing at the same level they did during the semifinals. We saw glimpses of Cam Reddish last night, who is slowly being reintegrated into the team following his injury.
The Atlanta Hawks bench needs to step up and keep the momentum going when the starters are taking a breather. Lou Williams has struggled in this series and has had a hard time sinking his renowned mid-range jumpers. Contribution from all members of the team is necessary to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks in a seven-game series.
#5 Trae Young needs to stay consistent against the Milwaukee Bucks
Trae Young is an exceptional young talent and has shown it time and time again in the 2021 NBA playoffs. However, consistency has been an issue for the young chap, which has affected the overall productivity of the Atlanta Hawks.
Trae exploded for 48 points to help his team secure a victory against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1. But he got cold in Game 2, registering only 15 points, 13 of which came in the first half. If the Atlanta Hawks hope to reach the NBA Finals, Trae has to be super effective for the remainder of the tie.
