For any fan over 20, most memories of the Bucks include some tough years and quick playoff exits. Although radio announcer Ted Davis is quite excitable already, he needed some pizzazz to make the Bucks more exciting. So, Turkish veteran Ersan Ilyasova was no longer Ilyasova. He’s “Ilyasooovvvaaa!” A bit corny? As of the 2019 east finals, heck no! Ersan is providing tremendous bench minutes for a deep and talented title contender. Don’t believe him? Then he’s got a bridge to sell you, and some basketball tips too.
Defensive Savant
As Davis observed, sometimes it seems Ersan’s bones are glass. Not to say he’s not tough: he’s broken his nose so many times his iPhone stopped unlocking. He has honed the art of selling a charge to the point of a Picasso. Observe his great play in game two (especially note his last charge at 1:50).
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His play in Europe helped refine his instincts to fall in a definitive yet not overly flashy manner that almost always draws the dreaded double whistle. It seems opponents don’t understand Ersan turns the stingiest of officials into a speed trap cop.
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Playoff Excellence
Ersan gave arguably the best performance of his career last night. His +/- of +22 led the team in Game 2. This excellence was possible because the Bucks have great chemistry that transcends cheesy Laker and Cavs superteams of the past.
Great W!!! Our activity, aggressiveness and unselfishness was off the charts tonight. Keep it up squad!! #Together#FearTheDeer #EasternConferenceFinals #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/PlA9iPWeQh
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 18, 2019
Friday night Ersan contributed 17 points on 63.6% shooting. He was fortunate, however, that the SWAT team didn’t arrive because of the size of his guns.
Shooting Sleeve Ers!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/Gfvsklq1GA
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 18, 2019
After joking he’s still young with a 2005 NBA debut (comments begin at 7:50), Ersan observed: “it’s all about chemistry.” He magnificently stated that “for us, it’s big time when we go the playoff” and correctly noted that the starters “set the tone, we have to come out with the same energy.”
"When we go to locker room, even when we lose the game, everybody stays positive. It's just we're all about the next game."#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/r5rGYS1pge
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 18, 2019
Ersan: Turkish Thunderstorm
Will the Turkish Thunder strike again in Toronto? Most likely, but he doesn’t need to. Maybe it’ll be Nikola Mirotic with a torrent of threes. Or perhaps George Hill‘s playoff experience will benefit Milwaukee if Toronto threatens. But one sure bet: if the Raptors think they have a clear path to the basket? Uh – IlyasoooooNo, think again.
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