For one thing, it would help conserve a little energy. For another, it would help his teammates find their shooting touch, making the Bucks think twice about doubling him too aggressively later in the game...
A little bit of "clever thinking" from Chen~~
At the top of the key, Paul George initiated a pick-and-roll with the ball.
This time, he called for a screen from Strus, looking to target Lillard.
When the Bucks decisively trapped him to slow him down, he immediately passed back to Strus, who was moving toward the sideline.
Strus caught the pass and took another three-point shot.
Unfortunately, this one missed.
Giannis secured the rebound.
With their twin towers, Milwaukee was still very good at protecting its defensive glass.
At least they probably would not get completely overwhelmed on the boards by the combination of Adams, Hart, and Chen Xi like certain other teams...
The Bucks began to push the counter-attack.
Lillard quickly dribbled across half court and faced Chen Xi again.
He performed a stationary between-the-legs crossover to settle into his rhythm, then moved toward the top of the key, preparing to find Middleton for support again.
But using the same opening move too many times clearly came with risks.
This time, Chen Xi was no longer willing to let them connect so easily.
He suddenly stepped up to pressure the ball, using his size advantage to engulf Coach Lillard in an instant, then kept applying pressure with his body and long arms.
Even Lillard was momentarily rattled by the sudden spike in defensive pressure.
That prompted him to make the worst possible move at that moment: picking up his dribble to protect the ball.
He voluntarily surrendered his mobility, holding the ball in both hands and turning away in an attempt to evade Chen