Antetokounmpo had had trouble solving “the wall” that opponents build against him. Even with his teammates positioned behind the 3-point line on the wings, the Bucks’ five-out offensive fails to create enough space. Opponents station three players near the free-throw line to keep Antetokounmpo out of the lane. As Pat Connaughton explained earlier this season, one of the Bucks’ priorities with their new offensive scheme was making it tougher for teams to build “the wall” at the free-throw line. By moving Antetokounmpo from the top of the key to the wing and placing a teammate in “the dunker” spot, the Bucks have been able to take away the wall.
Pat Connaughton Rumors
All NBA Players
Position: G
Born: 01/06/93
Height: 6-5 / 1.96
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $4,938,273
Born: 01/06/93
Height: 6-5 / 1.96
Weight:215 lbs. / 97.5 kg.
Salary: $4,938,273
Jim Owczarski: #Bucks guard Pat Connaughton (groin) is also out.
Milwaukee is an hour’s drive from Kenosha, where prosecutors deemed the actions of local police in the Blake incident an appropriate use of force. “It’s in our backyard,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. Milwaukee players, who launched the brief wildcat strike in the bubble after the Blake shooting, decided something needed to be done. They could kneel for the anthem, though networks might not show it. According to Brook Lopez, Pat Connaughton suggested something more visible: kneeling after tip-off for seven seconds—one for every bullet Blake was shot with. “As a team, we’re going to use our platform the right way,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo. “My kid is going to grow up here in America, and my kid is Black. I cannot imagine my kid going through what I see on TV. While I’m living and while I’m breathing, if I can do something about it to even change it 2%, 5%, for the better, I’m going to do it.”
Blake Griffin resting against Bucks
Jim Owczarski: The #Pistons will have Blake Griffin back tonight off rest while Josh Jackson (ankle) is considered questionable. They lost Killian Hayes for a long while the other night. The #Bucks, once again, will be without Pat Connaughton, Torrey Craig and Sam Merrill.
Kane Pitman: Pat Connaughton (groin) still listed at doubtful for the second game in the mini-series against Detroit. Sam Merrill (ankle) and Torrey Craig (nose) remain out. Josh Jackson (ankle) is questionable, Killian Hayes (hip) is out, while Blake Griffin is not listed.
Eric Nehm: Updates from Bud: Pat Connaughton – OUT – left groin strain – The injury occurred while the Bucks scrimmaged in practice yesterday Sam Merrill – OUT – left ankle sprain – The injury occurred when he contested a layup in the fourth quarter against the Bulls and hit the stanchion.
Kane Pitman: Pat Connaughton on Giannis: “I would love to play with him for the rest of my career let alone the next 3-4-5 years, whatever the extension might be. It’s something that he knows we have his back, he knows we would love to have him for an extended period of time”
