The Boston Celtics averaged 46.5 points in the paint and attempted 24.1 shots in the restricted area per game during the regular season. In Round 1 against the Brooklyn Nets, those numbers jumped to 48.5 points and 27.0 attempts. However, against the Milwaukee Bucks in Round 2, the numbers have plummeted to 31.0 points and 20.0 attempts.
Some may see this as the Giannis Antetokounmpo effect. He’s a two-time MVP and former Defensive Player of the Year. However, while Antetokounmpo’s interior defense has been solid, he’s not the player Boston fears. That’s Brook Lopez.