Credit Milwaukee coach Jim Boylan for trying new things in the series.
His team’s double-digit loss to the Heat in Game 1 featured a heavy dose of perimeter play, with the Bucks’ starting backcourt, Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings, combining for 48 of the team’s 87 points.
Frankly, this didn’t even look like the same team on Tuesday. Ellis and Jennings, admittedly limited by self-inflicted wounds at times, totaled just 15 points while shooting a combined 5-of-22 in Game 2.
Milwaukee’s offensive game plan had clearly changed over the previous 48 hours. Boylan’s backcourt attempted just 30.6 percent of the team’s field goals after hoisting nearly 48 percent in the series o
pener.
Since hero ball didn’t work in the first game, the Bucks emphasized team basketball in the second. Nearly 64 percent of the team’s field goals were assisted on Tuesday night, versus just 41.2 percent in Game 1.
Of course, it was all for naught as this outcome was no different than the first game. But at least Milwaukee was able to hold off its collapse until the fourth quarter this time around.
The collective firepower of Ellis and Jennings factored in heavily on the minds of those bold enough to predict anything but a Miami series sweep.
Given the strength of the Heat defense, though, this more methodical brand of basketball could fare better for the Bucks’ chances to salvage a victory before the series’ conclusion.
About Post Author
