The new-look Nets played some disrespectful defense on the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, sagging off him from the 3-point line.
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On Martin Luther King Day, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks played the Nets led by Kevin Durant and James Harden. The unstoppable duo combined for a total of 64 points. This gave the Brooklyn Nets a narrow 125-123 win over Antetokounmpo. The Nets improved their record to 9-6, while the Bucks are now 9-5.
Kyrie Irving did not still turn out for the Nets despite being cleared to play after a 5-day quarantine. It is unclear when the Nets will choose to field their third star this season.
As everyone knows, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a force to reckon with on the offensive side. Averaging 26.6 points this season, he is a danger for the defense. The Brooklyn Nets are using an unusual, yet effective way to stop the Bucks’ megastar from scoring.
Nets sag off Giannis Antetokounmpo from the 3-point line
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a great player in the paint, but it’s no news that he isn’t a great distance shooter. He has had a career shooting percentage of 28.5% from the three-point line. The Bucks’ superstar has improved his three-point shooting to 30.5%, which still isn’t very good.
The Nets used this as the perfect opportunity to play some disrespectful defense on the MVP.
Nets left Giannis wide open from 3… 😬 pic.twitter.com/mZ6LATmkJp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 19, 2021
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As Giannis moved in the up-court with the ball, all the defenders shifted a few steps further down. This is the inspired from the same defense the Raptors played – almost daring him to shoot the open three-point shot. As expected, Giannis attempted from the three-point line and ended up air-balling the shot. The Nets’ defensive strategy managed to work.
Until the Greek Freak doesn’t further improve his three-point shooting, he can continue to expect teams to play disrespectful defensive plays such as this one.
