3 Ways Bucks Can Overcome a Bad Giannis in Game 5

It's not that the Toronto Raptors have totally cracked the code on how to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo -- such a thing isn't really possible -- but the Greek Freak appears to be genuinely struggling for the first time in what seems like forever. This is not uncommon in the playoffs, as entire gameplans and weeks of practice are all aimed at slowing down one particular player. However, even if Giannis puts up a couple more duds, there are still a couple ways for the Milwaukee Bucks to pull out a win against Kawhi Leonard and the boys from the Six.

3. Let Khris Middleton Operate as a Point Forward

Khris Middleton has stumbled at times in this series, but the 2019 All-Star presents a unique matchup advanatge for the Bucks. With Kawhi glued to Giannis, the Raptors don't have a big guy as quick as Middleton or a wing player that can match his size. Let Giannis operate in the low block where he's comfortable, and let Middleton see more of the ball in rotation with Eric Bledsoe and George Hill.

2. Prevent Toronto From Getting Out in Transition

Transition defense has killed the Bucks in this series, as most of Toronto's points that aren't coming from Kawhi isos as much as Pascal Siakam and Kyle Lowry running the floor and either getting good, close shots or kicking it out for a three. In the halfcourt, the Raptors aren't as deadly an offensive team. Keeping them in those sets should be a point of emphasis.

1. Space the Floor and Let it Rip From Deep

Milwaukee played perhaps their best game of the series in Game 1 when Brook Lopez was raining threes down from everywhere on the court. The Bucks don't often revert to this strategy considering how much of their offense is based around Giannis at the rim. However, if he can't get it together, don't be afraid to let Middleton and Lopez chuck it up.