5 things Atlanta Hawks must do to bounce back against Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals | 2021 NBA Playoffs

Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks tips off against Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks
Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks tips off against Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks

#3 Do a better job contending with Giannis Antetokounmpo

Ad
<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/giannis-antetokounmpo' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Giannis</a> Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks

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.

Ad

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.

Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.

Ad

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.

Ad

#4 Increased production from the Atlanta Hawks bench

Kevin Huerter #3 and John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks look on from the bench
Kevin Huerter #3 and John Collins #20 of the Atlanta Hawks look on from the 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.

Ad
Ad

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 #11 of the Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks

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.

Milwaukee Bucks Fans? Check out the latest Milwaukee Bucks depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

Quick Links

Edited by Arnav Kholkar
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
More
More
bell-icon Manage notifications