Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks’ star forward, has adopted a new approach to his game, one that is already paying dividends for both himself and his team. This season, Antetokounmpo has focused on attacking the basket with precision, facilitating plays, and mastering the 15-foot jumper. By recalibrating his strategy, he seeks to avoid a third consecutive first-round playoff exit. His previous postseason runs were hindered by injuries, but with a healthier outlook, Antetokounmpo is determined to lead the Bucks to greater heights.
In a recent game, Antetokounmpo showcased his evolving skill set by pulling up from 19 feet and draining a jumper, extending the Bucks' lead. This is a departure from his past reliance on three-point attempts. "It's different, usually before when I had 18 points, it'd probably be nine drives and five dunks," he remarked, highlighting the transformation in his playstyle.
Antetokounmpo's statistical output this season is impressive. He is averaging 30.8 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, while shooting at an efficient 60.5%. Remarkably, he is on pace to replicate last season's historic achievement of being the first NBA player to average 30 points on 60% shooting. His focus on midrange shots has been effective; he has made 102 midrange shots this season, ranking fourth in the league. His 47% shooting accuracy from midrange surpasses renowned shooters like DeMar DeRozan, Donovan Mitchell, and Kyrie Irving.
Antetokounmpo's adaptation in strategy is evident in his reduced three-point attempts. He has attempted only 42 three-pointers in 50 games this season and is on track to average less than one attempt per game for the first time since the 2014-15 season. "Me shooting a bunch of 3s — which I would love; trust me, I love shooting the ball — but right now, that's not what my team needs from me," Antetokounmpo explained.
His effectiveness around the basket is notable as well. He is averaging 12.1 made two-pointers per game, a feat reminiscent of peak Shaquille O'Neal. Antetokounmpo's average wrist height when releasing a two-pointer stands at 9.29 feet, second only to Victor Wembanyama in the NBA.
The Bucks' playoff aspirations are buoyed by Antetokounmpo's strategic adjustments. His commitment to refining his midrange game has added another dimension to his offensive repertoire. "I know I'm going to make big 3s, big shots. But that's not my main focus. My main focus is to attack, facilitate, get the 15-footers all day long. If I have 20 of them, I'm going to take all 20 of them," he asserted.
Antetokounmpo's dedication to improving his game has been evident throughout the offseason. "It's part of my game; I've worked on it all summer long," he shared. This hard work has not gone unnoticed by others in the basketball community. Jason Kidd commented on the benefits of Antetokounmpo's evolved playing style: "Him being able to shoot that shot just adds longevity."
By avoiding unnecessary physical strain and making smarter shot selections, Antetokounmpo has positioned himself as a more versatile threat on the court. "I got to be smarter in the way I play," he acknowledged, reflecting on his long-term goals and career trajectory.
Vin Baker, another voice in Antetokounmpo's corner, noted the significance of his strategic shift: "Giannis realizes he's not going to be able to play forever. These shots were always available to him, but he's getting smarter about which shots to take."
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