One Thousand Two Hundred and Seventy One: Rampage with Giannis

The Bucks' defense is suffocating, often limiting opponents to a below-average 9.8% shooting percentage in the paint.

A large part of the credit goes to Antetokounmpo, who is tall and has long arms.

Although he is not a pure inside player, Antetokounmpo's ability to protect the frame is unquestionable.

However, the role of Antetokounmpo's long arms on the defensive end is not limited to blocking shots.

He also often attempts to use his long arms to make full tackles, and does so quite well.

That's what happened with the opening goal.

Under normal circumstances, there would be no problem with Conley's pass just now. But Antetokounmpo's steal range is greater than people think.

His outstanding explosiveness and exaggerated wingspan allowed him to lie across the passing lane the moment Conley passed the ball.

Seeing this, Link quickly took the initiative to lean towards the basketball, but Antetokounmpo used his solid back to cross the floor, completely separating Link from the basketball.

The moment Link and Antetokounmpo collided, he felt as if he had hit a steel plate.

You know, Link is already one of the strongest players in the league. But the first confrontation with Antetokounmpo still made Link feel difficult.

After intercepting the basketball, Antetokounmpo ran towards the frontcourt and started to counterattack.

Antetokounmpo is the same as Durant. Their absolute speed cannot be said to be very fast, but their steps are big.

These two guys took one step while others took two steps, and they hit the basket three times, five times and two times.

Link is right behind Antetokounmpo, and I have to say it’s really hard to catch up when the Greek strides forward.

At this time, only Link and Antetokounmpo were at the forefront, forming a one-on-one situation in the frontcourt.

The two top players in the league are facing off, and no one else can get involved.

After Antetokounmpo stepped into the penalty area with one foot, he quickly took off on one foot and "bounced" himself into the air.

Most defensive players would have simply given up in such a situation and watched Antetokounmpo complete the dunk.

But Link didn’t;

He also jumped up suddenly, trying to defend the ball from behind!

It's a pity that Antetokounmpo's height is too scary.

After Link rose into the air, he found that his palm was only a little bit away from the basketball raised by Antetokounmpo.

But on the basketball court, sometimes it is this difference that determines victory or defeat.

"Bang!"

Antetokounmpo's dunk is very explosive and full of power. It can be seen that the Greeks are also trying their best to give Link a greeting gift.

Because Link rushed too hard, he flew directly to the press area, "exploding" and knocking someone off his back.

As soon as the game started, the duel between Antetokounmpo and Link entered a fierce stage.

After dunking, Antetokounmpo looked up to the sky and roared. At this time, he really looked like a beast.

Link quickly got up from the group of reporters. That guy Antetokounmpo is really strong now!

"Yannis scored first with a dunk at the beginning, which is a bit like Link's style. I don't know how Link will respond next." Just the first ball made Mike Breen feel numb.

The collision between two top players really shook the earth.

Antetokounmpo is good at scoring on counterattacks. The guy often performs scenes of grabbing defensive rebounds and then pushing himself into a one-stop dunk.

Therefore, the entire league is trying to find ways to slow down Giannis' legs. But for now, no team can do it.

In fact, it was not easy for the Raptors to win the Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

The Bucks were leading 2-0 in that series. In the third game, the Raptors only managed to win by 6 points in a double overtime game.

That night, if Leonard had missed Middleton's step-back mid-range shot, and if VanVleet had not hit the only three-pointer, the Bucks would have led 3-0.

In other words, the Bucks actually had the strength to play in the finals last season. They lost, and there was indeed a certain amount of luck involved.

But today, luck is not necessarily on the Grizzlies' side.

Soon, the Grizzlies launched their second attack. Conley didn't dare to play the ball rashly this time. As a point guard, the most taboo thing is passing mistakes.

This time Conley handed the ball to Dillon Brooks, who ran out of space outside the three-point line on the right side. Brooks, who dared to play and fight hard, caught the ball and shot without hesitation.

However, Wesley Matthews' interference was very vicious.

Matthews himself is a 3D second position, so he knows Brooks' actions and thoughts very well.

He interfered in time, forcing Brooks to end his shooting action early.

Incomplete shooting movements affect the hit rate the most, not to mention long-range three-pointers.

Brooks' shot missed the frame, and the Bucks' defense was really tight.

In addition to the paint, they defended the three-point line equally well.

The Grizzlies offense failed, and this was the best opportunity for the Bucks.

When there is blacksmithing, there is counterattack. If there is a counterattack, there will be points!

Brook Lopez protected the defensive rebound this time, and with his exquisite skills, he passed the ball to Antetokounmpo immediately.

The Greek started sprinting with the ball in hand, and Link stayed close to Antetokounmpo. At the same time, JaMychal Green had quickly rushed to the penalty area, preparing to join forces with Link to stop the rampaging monster.

After Antetokounmpo reached the three-point line, he suddenly changed hands and changed direction, and then accelerated, catching Link off guard.

He didn't expect that Antetokounmpo would dare to play tricks in such a situation.

Antetokounmpo got out of the way and went straight into the penalty area. Faced with JaMychal Green, who had just arrived to help defend, the Greek did not flinch, but directly bumped into him.

"Bang!" This time the collision was so violent that Antetokounmpo failed to hold back at all. The muffled sound of the collision between the two muscles could even be heard by Jorge on the bench.

Joger shuddered, thinking that if it was him who had just stood in front of Antetokounmpo, he would probably have a row of broken ribs.

However, Green's end was not much better.

Being hit by Antetokounmpo who was running at high speed, Jermichael Green was knocked to the ground hard.

At the same time, Antetokounmpo threw the basketball toward the basket, the referee blew the whistle, and the basketball hit the net.

The referee gave Green a blocking foul. Antetokounmpo tore up the defense and got a chance to play 2+1!

"Another counterattack, Giannis is really unstoppable. JaMychal Green was already in front, but Giannis actually knocked his opponent to the ground! In this game, Giannis was like a bloodthirsty beast! No, He is a bloodthirsty beast."

Amid Mike Breen's exclamations, Antetokounmpo glanced at Green on the ground viciously and then stepped over him.

At that moment, the entire FedEx Arena burst into boos. Antetokounmpo was completely challenging the Grizzlies' bottom line.

Link walked up to him, bumped Antetokounmpo with his shoulder intentionally or unintentionally, walked up to Green, and extended his hand to him.

"Damn it, I tried my best, Link." Green grabbed Link's hand and stood up again, looking very helpless.

He couldn't help but rub his chest, which was still burning with pain. The impact of that blow completely exceeded Green's expectations.

"It doesn't matter, you are very brave and did a good job." Link patted Green on the shoulder, then stood at the designated position, ready to wait for Antetokounmpo's free throw.

Antetokounmpo received the basketball from the referee, dribbled twice and prepared to shoot.

At this moment, Link, who was standing diagonally in front of Antetokounmpo, spoke: "You've gone too far, Giannis."

"Bang!" After Link said, Antetokounmpo made a free throw.

His previous rhythm had been very good, but his last shot was too hasty. It’s obvious that Antetokounmpo was influenced by Link.

Antetokounmpo looked at Link, but Link pointed at Antetokounmpo, and then ran towards the frontcourt.

Beat my teammates? Can.

But insulting my teammates? Sorry, Link can't turn a blind eye.

The moment Antetokounmpo stepped over Green, the intensity of this game had already escalated.

This time, Link passed the ball early and prepared to take control of the offense himself.

Antetokounmpo stood in front of Link solemnly. What he was about to face was the most violent counterattack.