Giannis Antetokounmpo got a lot of criticism for not guarding Jimmy Butler late in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. He said that he didn’t ask Mike Budenholzer for the defensive assignment because he was going to do whatever the coach asked him to do.
Moreover, Jimmy Butler sided with the Greek Freak by claiming that he’s one of the best help-defenders in the league so he understood why he didn’t guard him late in the game.
Ironically, Giannis closed out on Butler’s last-second three-pointer in Game 2. The referees called a controversial foul on him and the Heat ended up taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
That led to a lot of internet slander on the Greek Freak, who was recently named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year. They questioned Giannis’ status as an elite defender so ESPN Stats & Info was quick to clear the air.
According to Second Spectrum, Giannis Antetokounmpo allowed opposing All-Stars to shoot 31.9% in the halfcourt this season as the closest defender. That's the best in the NBA among 228 players to defend 40+ attempts. pic.twitter.com/cO8HQwGJla
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) September 2, 2020
As a matter of fact, Giannis is by far the greatest defender in the league when he’s guarding an All-Star, as he allows them to shoot just 31.9% from the floor, followed by Alex Caruso (32%), Ky Bowman (32.8%), Patty Mills (33.3%), and Draymond Green (33.3%).
Giannis must step up with the season on the line. He’s poised to win back-to-back MVPs as well as his DPOY but none of that will matter if the Bucks fall to the Heat in the 2nd round.
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