Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been known for his dominance in the paint, but this season, his midrange shot is drawing attention. Currently, Giannis ranks second in midrange field goal percentage among players with at least 60 attempts, trailing only DeMar DeRozan. This marks a significant improvement that could reshape how defenses approach him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Midrange Shot: A Weapon in Progress
From 35.1% to 47.8%: A Noticeable Leap
Last season, Giannis shot just 35.1% from midrange, an area where opponents often dared him to shoot. This year, however, he’s converting 47.8% of his midrange attempts. Giannis’ midrange attempts have also increased from 2.4 per game last season to 4.3 this season. Although the season is still young, the improvement highlights the work he’s put into refining his shot.
After the Bucks’ 127-120 overtime win against the Pistons on November 13, Giannis reflected on his offseason focus on the midrange:
“I feel like last year, I was watching film from last year of how I got myself in trouble because I wasn’t trusting my midrange shots as much. I think I made for the year like 38… and I think within 11 games now I made like 28. It’s something I worked all summer with coach Spanoulis and with a different person I work with now. Something that I trust, I feel like I can make it…”
Why the Midrange Shot Matters for Giannis
For a player like Giannis, the midrange shot is essential to maximizing his offensive impact. It directly counters defensive strategies that aim to take away his strengths, such as the “Giannis Wall,” where defenders clog the paint to limit his drives. A reliable pull-up jumper forces opponents to step closer, opening driving lanes and creating better passing opportunities for teammates.
The midrange also allows Giannis to maintain his aggressive style while diversifying his attack. It lets him operate within the areas he naturally dominates, seamlessly transitioning from a drive to a jumper at the elbow. This versatility makes him harder to predict and even harder to stop.
Shot Selection and Efficiency
This season, Giannis has made notable changes to his shot profile. Nearly all of his midrange attempts now come from the elbows, resulting in improved efficiency. If we compare shot charts from this season to last season using data from StatMuse, the difference becomes clear. This year, Giannis’ midrange attempts are concentrated around the elbows, whereas last season featured a more scattered distribution, including shots from the sides of the lane. This visual evidence underscores how Giannis has intentionally refined his shot selection.
Another significant adjustment is his dramatic reduction in three-point attempts. So far this season, Giannis is attempting just 0.9 threes per game, a career low since the 2014-15 season. This marks a significant decrease from the 1.7 attempts per game he averaged last season. By shooting less on three-pointers, Giannis has doubled down on shots he can consistently make, reinforcing his strengths while minimizing inefficiencies.
This shift in shot selection highlights his evolving offensive approach. Giannis isn’t just taking what defenses give him—he’s dictating the terms of engagement. By prioritizing his strengths in the midrange and at the rim, he remains one of the most unstoppable offensive forces in the league.
Playoff Implications
Many defenses may still live with Giannis taking midrange shots, but sustained efficiency could force them to rethink their strategies. A reliable midrange jumper makes it harder for defenders and creates more scoring opportunities for both him and his teammates. If Giannis maintains this level of shooting, it could be a game-changer in the postseason, where defenses are tougher and points harder to come by.
