Giannis Antetokounmpo’s clutch midrange shot may have rescued the Milwaukee Bucks from their rivals, the Indiana Pacers two nights ago, but it also disguised a deeper issue. Lately, the two-time MVP has shown a surprising flaw that’s beginning to hurt Milwaukee, costing them crucial possessions they can’t afford to lose.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates the game winning shot against the Indiana Pacers with teammates in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Based on numbers from NBA.com/stats, the Greek Freak has converted only 3 of his 14 midrange shots, good for 21.4 percent. It might just be a rough start to the year, yet that steep decline stands out compared to how effective he was from that range a season ago.
Last season proved how valuable Giannis Antetokounmpo’s midrange jumper was to both his game and Milwaukee’s offense. When he consistently hits that shot, he’s nearly unguardable, and the Bucks’ spacing improves dramatically. Defenders are forced to contest higher up, which opens clear paths to the rim and simpler setups for teammates. When his midrange shot isn’t falling, opponents can pack the lane and crowd him without paying a price.
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) warms up before game against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
During the previous season, Giannis connected on 125 of 283 midrange attempts, hitting 44.2 percent of those shots and ranking among the league’s most effective scorers from that range.
That accuracy kept defenses honest and created spacing for Milwaukee’s attack. Right now, opponents are still guarding him tightly, but if his struggles from 15 feet continue, teams will soon adjust by giving him that shot and daring him to make it.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s middy’s importance for the Bucks
Nov 1, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after missing a shot late in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
When that happens, Milwaukee’s entire offensive rhythm takes a hit. The spacing collapses, driving lanes disappear, and ball movement becomes tougher to sustain. As a result, the Bucks are forced to grind for clean looks instead of creating them naturally within their flow.
It may be just one part of his arsenal, and not a shot Giannis leans on often, but it could still decide a few crucial games that shape playoff positioning. With the Eastern Conference so unpredictable, every trip down the floor counts, and his missed midrange attempts might end up being the difference between holding home court and fighting through the play-in bracket.
Oct 26, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) celebrates after hitting a three point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
It’s nowhere near a crisis yet, but the puzzling part is that there’s no clear cause for the decline. Giannis looks healthy, his shooting motion remains consistent, and he’s still getting the same open looks he thrived on last year. Cold spells happen, but if this one lingers, it could turn into a legitimate concern for Milwaukee.
The Greek Freak has to rediscover his rhythm from midrange, because Milwaukee’s title chances could ultimately hinge on that shot falling again.