What a distinction a couple of weeks makes for an NBA workforce. The Milwaukee Bucks had been probably the most disappointing groups early within the 2024-2025 NBA season, however a fast turnaround led by star Giannis Antetokounmpo introduced them again to life.
The Milwaukee Bucks misplaced 9 of 12 video games performed in mid-November regardless of nice performances from Antetokounmpo and level guard Damian Lillard. They should win 11 of their subsequent 13 video games to show issues round.
The one losses throughout this era had been to the red-hot Atlanta Hawks and Boston Celtics. Milwaukee’s rebounding helped them win the NBA Cup with a 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder, thanks to a different monster sport from Giannis.
Final season and the start of this season, the workforce’s poor efficiency left a foul style in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mouth. Antetokounmpo remains to be enjoying at a excessive stage at age 30, however a lot of that has been overshadowed by his workforce’s poor efficiency.
His efforts to make the workforce higher finally paid off within the closing 13 video games, with the workforce successful 11 of them. Over the previous 13 video games, the Bucks have averaged 114.1 factors and allowed 107.8 factors.
Giannis was a driving drive for the Bucks throughout this era. Earlier than Tuesday’s win over the Thunder, Giannis was averaging 33.1 factors, capturing 62.3 % from the sphere, and averaging 10.5 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 0.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per sport.
However Antetokounmpo took it to a different stage Tuesday night time in opposition to the Thunder.
He scored 26 factors on 10-of-19 capturing from the sphere and totaled 19 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and three blocks. He dominated a a lot smaller Thunder workforce in scoring and getting boards. He stays probably the most dominant gamers on the court docket within the NBA.
On Wednesday, former NBA middle DeMarcus Cousins appeared on a tv present. “Run It Again” by FanDuel Podcast concerning the Bucks successful the NBA Cup:
“Clearly with Giannis, he placed on a present. He dominated. He was a one-man saboteur.
“I believe he is the closest factor to Shaquille O’Neal on this period of basketball by way of bodily excellence.”
Shaq’s dominant run within the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s made him probably the most common stars of his period, and he stays a well-recognized face and voice within the NBA immediately.
It would not be shocking to see Antetokounmpo attempt to win his third league MVP award and second NBA title.
Giannis is aggressive as he seems to be dominant night time in and night time out. He isn’t a playoff participant. That is why he persistently places up such excessive numbers with the Bucks.
His mixture of management and playmaking skill helped lead the Bucks to back-to-back wins together with the NBA Cup.
Lillard is 34 years outdated, and longtime Bucks ahead Khris Middleton is 33. They’ve fewer years to play at a excessive stage than Giannis.
The jury remains to be out on whether or not Doc Rivers will likely be a playoff-caliber coach, however so long as Giannis likes him, he’ll stick round.
Giannis goals to play at an MVP stage as a result of he is aware of what it takes for Milwaukee to have an opportunity at successful one other title. First time since 2021.
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