Before Game 1, many fans believed the Milwaukee Bucks had a solid chance at defeating the superpowered Brooklyn Nets. Giannis Antetoounmpo, the reigning 2X MVP, is a mismatch against any team, and the Bucks were coming off an impressive 4-game sweep against the defending Eastern Conference Champs.
But after Game 2 wrapped up on Monday, with the Bucks suffering back-to-back blowouts, hope in their playoff run has dramatically decreased, as the Nets appear to be too good to overcome
After the game, Charles Barkley went on record to point out how ridiculous it was that the Nets won in such a convincing fashion without their second-best player, James Harden.
“The Bucks are in straight panic. They’re getting punched in the mouth, no answers. They are in shock right now and they should be embarrassed… they’re not playing with energy, effort, it’s like anybody who’s open just shoot it. They have no game plan. We got fooled, we thought it was going to be a good series.
These guys [the Nets] don’t have James Harden and y’all are down 20+ points? This is ridiculous, plain and simple.”
https://twitter.com/FadeawayWorldHQ/status/1402114729196261386
The Bucks’ struggles aren’t entirely a result of Brooklyn’s talent. They are, after all, playing without James Harden.
As Chuck pointed out, the Bucks haven’t yet matched Brooklyn’s energy. They look flat and completely lost out there on the court.
Whatever it is that they have going on, one can only hope they can work it out before it’s too late. With Game 3 back in Milwaukee, it might be their last chance to get back on the right track.
