USA Today via Reuters
Aug 22, 2020; Lake Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 22, 2020; Lake Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots against the Orlando Magic in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at The Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 22, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Mandatory Credit: Mike Ehrmann/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
The Milwaukee Bucks lost their first pre-season game against the Dallas Mavericks today. However, there was something positive for them to look at. Their All-NBA forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has made some changes in his shooting form.
Over the years, Giannis has been criticized over and over for his inability to consistently drain jumpers. The Greek Freak has struggled from free-throw line as well. But today was different for Giannis, as he had a great night from the free throw line.
The two-time MVP went 6/7 from the charity stripe and scored 25 points in the game. Maybe this new shooting form will erase the only major flaw he has in his game as of now.
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Giannis on his terrific night from the free throw line
In the post-game interview, Giannis was asked if he had made any changes to his shooting.
“No,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo. “There’s nothing different. I try not to think about it. Obviously, like a month and a half ago, yeah, I changed something, but now it’s in the past. I’m not thinking about this is how I shoot free throws right now. This is how I shoot the ball right now.”
"No. There's nothing different. I try not to think about it. Obviously, like a month and a half ago, yeah, I changed something, but now it's in the past. I'm not thinking about this is how I shoot free throws right now. This is how I shoot the ball right now." – @Giannis_An34 https://t.co/ODP14W5cm9
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) December 13, 2020
This season can be a career altering year for Giannis as he has to make a big decision next season. Either he needs to commit long term with the Bucks or finally move on elsewhere to win an NBA title.
So far, the Bucks have done everything in their power to convince him to stay at the bay. But were those moves enough?
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Can Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the Bucks to an NBA Championship this season?
via Getty
Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks wears street clothes before the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, March 9, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Looking back at the 2020 postseason, the Bucks were sent home in just the second round. The team as a whole failed to live up to the expectations of the fans. Giannis in particular was completely shut down by the Heat defense.
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The biggest reason for that failure was due to Giannis’ ability to adjust his game when he was funnel driving to the lane. Hopefully, this new shooting form will add another dimension to his game and he can lead the Bucks to the NBA Finals at least.
What are your thoughts on the new shooting form of the Greek Freak? Share your views in the comments section down below.
