Miami Heat: Will we see more Giannis on Jimmy in Game 2?

As the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks gear up for Game 2, will we see Giannis Antetokounmpo take more defensive reps on Jimmy Butler?

When the Miami Heat pulled off an upset win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, it was ironically Giannis Antetokounmpo who caught the most flack.

That’s right, the one guy who does the most for his team was subject to criticism. Why?

Antetokounmpo took few reps guarding Heat alpha Jimmy Butler, who finished with 40 points in what was the best playoff game of his career. When asked after the game if he’d asked head coach Mike Budenholzer for the assignment, the Greek Freak responded: “Why would I?”

Well, maybe because you were named Defensive Player of the Year just last week.

For any Defensive Player of the Year to not take up the assignment on the opposing team’s best player typically indicates a major positional gap. Say a longer center like Rudy Gobert, having to match up with a smaller point guard like Kemba Walker, for instance.

That is not the case between the two number one options on these Miami and Milwaukee teams.

Per NBA.com’s Advanced Stats, Butler attempted four shots against Giannis in Game 1, and finished two-of-four in such situations. Considering he took 20 shots on the night, yeah, I’d say Antetokounmpo didn’t do much of guarding Butler.

The criticism took to national media levels and was even a question prompted by Sam Amick of the Athletic (subscription required) when doing a sitting down with Miami’s All-Star. Butler was asked specifically if he was surprised Giannis didn’t pick him up more in Game 1.

"“Uh, no. I’m not surprised. I look at it like this. He is one of the best help side defenders that there are in the league. And that’s what he’s been doing all year long. And I think you can’t get stuck on what we do. I think you’ve really just got to focus on what you do-you’ve been doing it all year. Nah I’m not surprised.”"

He didn’t fuel the fire with his answer, continuing on with a simple basketball explanation:

"“If he switches out…and he’s guarding me, you know we’re going to do what we have to do to still win. But I’m gonna tell you: You’re not going to be able to leave me, so then that’s taking away their weakside defense. So either way it goes, we’re gonna be in a good spot. We’ve got way more guys who can do what I just did last night better than I can do, so we’ll see. “"

Butler’s obviously not concerned, with his team-leading the series 1-0 and fresh off of a playoff-career high 40-point performance. Whether he’s on the money in Game 2 or not, look for Antetokounmpo to pick him up (even if just a little bit) more defensively.

The Miami Heat will no doubt look to continue getting Jimmy Butler going in Game 2 on Wednesday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 pm est, and coverage will be provided by ESPN.