By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Miami Heat are returning to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2016 and will be facing Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks as the underdogs in the series.
Defending against the reigning NBA MVP and top contender for this year’s award will demand a varied type of teamwork by Heat players, according to Jimmy Butler. One that can match the diverse contribution Antetokounmpo brings for the Bucks.
“Efforts. Multiple efforts for that,” Butler said when asked what his team should do to play defense against Giannis. “Obviously, he’s a hell of the player. He’s MVP for a reason. But you can’t just get lost at how many times and players has around him. And how he can score the ball. and how he gets everyone else involved. Which is why they are such a good team. But it does start with him. So you got to lock in on him, you take him out and hopefully you take a little of the other guys out too.
“Obviously they [Bucks] have a great offense and Giannis getting to the rim, spreading it out for all the shooters that they have,” Butler previously mentioned.
Game 1 between the Heat and the Bucks will take place Monday (31/8).