Up to now, the Milwaukee Bucks are trying like an actual pressure to win one other NBA championship beneath Giannis Antetokounmpo, or, as all of us say, the Greek Freak. Proper now, Milwaukee sits at 11-3 following their dominant win over a rebuilt but formidable Cleveland Cavaliers squad. Whereas Antetokounmpo solely scored 16 factors within the win, the evening belonged to Brook Lopez together with his 29 factors.
That stated, it doesn’t take away from what’s taking place in Deer Land. Antetokounmpo is averaging 29.9 factors per sport, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. In fact, that may change at any second and would possibly change after their subsequent sport towards Philadelphia. Nonetheless, there’s something particular taking place. After the Milwaukee Bucks received the NBA title and trolled Stephen A. Smith and his biased self, the concept of a small market successful massive and creating a celebrity has taken on a lifetime of its personal.
That provides these areas hope that having a celebrity or a few them is perhaps sufficient to win over the large cities. Up to now, small markets have received massive; see the 2004 Pistons; however afterward, there have been extra excuses about why the extra outstanding names misplaced, which reeked of pettiness and epic blasphemy. Milwaukee isn’t like that. It’s not a one-year shock; furthermore, after they received the title, they beat Phoenix to do it, and oh, in case anybody forgot, the parade was held in “heat climate” regardless of what Smith whined about on First Take (chilly climate in June and July).
However again to Antetokounmpo for a second. These statistics make it laborious to say he’s not within the lead for league MVP. If this season continues on a constructive development, it’s extremely seemingly that the town of Milwaukee would possibly discover itself with some new {hardware} come June, once more when the climate is heat and welcoming.
Milwaukee Bucks: Antetokounmpo is on a tempo that warrants MVP consideration and the eventual award.
The Japanese Convention may be very fluid in the mean time, and there are a number of groups worthy of being in competition for the convention crown and a berth within the NBA Finals. Final season, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks misplaced to the Boston Celtics, who went on to seize the convention title earlier than falling to Golden State within the massive dance 4-2.
Moreover Boston, Miami nonetheless exists with its core, and the Brooklyn Nets, a minimum of on paper, are nonetheless there. The Cavaliers aren’t a pushover and might make an announcement of their very own. Philadelphia can play. The checklist is sort of expansive. One staff received’t be part of that blend: the New York Knicks. Why did we point out them, then? Drive of behavior and compulsory necessities.
Once more, again to Antetokounmpo. He’s on a tear at this level, and given what he’s completed for the town of Milwaukee, one other championship wouldn’t solely separate him from these with merely one ring however put him in a category above so many and improve his standing among the many greats.
He’s already a champion, however two rings? That’s elusive, and that’s uncommon. He would possibly get it this 12 months and win league MVP as effectively. Hopefully, he’s acquired sufficient room on his shelf for that {hardware}.