Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Sticks The Fork In Milwaukee

The Jump's Rachel Nichols, who surprisingly didn't wear a mask during the Zoom call, spoke with former Milwaukee Buck and Los Angeles Laker Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to get some insight on what he sees happening in the Bucks vs. Nets series and who he thinks the victor will be.

Abdul-Jabbar was candid about his pick, even though he may offend his former team.

"I don't think this year's Bucks team is capable of winning the title," Kareem told Nichols in a firm tone. "They got to do a better job and play differently and not let KD dominate like that."

Which is entirely true, as the series is now in Brooklyn's control with a 3-2 advantage going into Game 6 on Thursday. Kareem appears much more concerned about being right than being a homer.

On the heels of a dominating performance by KD in Game 5 to lift the Nets past Milwaukee for the series lead, Abdul-Jabbar's comments are pointed at a lackluster Bucks team that has depended too much on Tier 2 duo Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

The two combined for 59 points during Tuesday's loss without much additional support outside of guard Jrue Holiday and center Brook Lopez. The cast has been thin around Giannis and Middleton, but the reigning MVP has seen a fair amount of criticism this postseason for his lack of ability to find a shot or to thrive outside of a transition offense.

With James Harden struggling to the tune of only five points in 45 minutes of play, Kevin Durant decided to take over in Game 5 with a stat line of 49 points, 10 assists, and 17 rebounds.

Kareem impliles that no one on the Milwaukee Bucks has a clue how to stop Kevin Durant and that perhaps throwing a rowdy P.J. Tucker won't do much to slow him down. The poor game plan on the court has led to talk that this stunted effort in the playoffs will cost head coach Mike Budenholzer his job once the series wraps up.