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The Milwaukee Bucks were thoroughly outplayed by the Brooklyn Nets in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, as the match ended in an embarrassing scoreline of 86-125.
Kevin Durant showed no mercy on the Milwaukee Bucks defense as he ended the game with 32 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists.
Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the top scorer for the Bucks, registering 18 points and 11 rebounds on the night.
NBA 2021 Playoffs: 3 ways the Milwaukee Bucks can make a comeback against the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference semi-finals
Since sweeping the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks have been given a harsh reality check by the Brooklyn Nets. Steve Nash's team has pulverized Giannis Antetokounmpo and co. on both ends of the floor. If Mike Budenholzer doesn't make some key adjustments in Game 3, the series could virtually be over.
On that note, here are three things that the Milwaukee Bucks need to do to bounce back against the Brooklyn Nets:
#3 - Stop deploying zone defense
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer made the ill-fated decision to deploy a zone defense in Game 2, which the Brooklyn Nets tore to shreds.
Not only are the Brooklyn Nets one of the most efficient offenses of all time, but they also have dead-eye shooters like Kevin Durant and Joe Harris. The two players have the ability to consistently make shots from the deep.
If the Milwaukee Bucks are to pull one back, Budenholzer will have to scrap the zone defense plan and use man-to-man coverage.
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#2 - The Milwaukee Bucks will have to dominate on the boards
In Game 1, the Milwaukee Bucks won the rebounding battle 65-52. However, in the second match of the series, they won it by just 2 rebounds (50-48).
The Bucks are arguably the best rebounding team in the league (2nd in rebounds per game in the regular season). They will have to dominate the boards by a considerable margin if they are to stand a chance of winning this series.
The Milwaukee Bucks have a great rebounding core in Brook Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. The trio will have to show active hands on the glass in Game 3 to help their team make a comeback in the series.
#3 - Khris Middleton will have to step up
Khris Middleton has had a torrid time against the Brooklyn Nets so far, ending Games 1 and 2 with 13 and 17 points, respectively.
Middleton's efficiency has suffered, as he shot 26% from the field in Game 1 and 35% in Game 2. His playmaking has also been ineffective so far, as he has only managed a total of five assists in the series.
Middleton is a part of the Milwaukee Bucks' 'Big 3'. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday haven't been able to exert their influence on the series either, it's Middleton who needs to improve the most.
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