Jaylen Brown Praises Giannis as 'Best Player in the World' After Celtics-Bucks Series
May 16, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Friday, May 13, 2022, in Milwaukee . (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't come away with a victory Sunday, but he at least received high praise from one of his peers following the Milwaukee Bucks' 109-81 defeat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
"Giannis is the best player in the world," Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown told reporters. "You can see why a lot of people say that."
This is one of the rare instances in which a star bolstered his resume in a losing effort, and the compliments directed Antetokounmpo's way are anything but patronizing.
The fact the Bucks pushed this series as far as they did with Khris Middleton unable to play is a credit to just how incredible Giannis Antetokounmpo is. He was incandescent throughout. It just wasn’t quite enough.
Over seven games, the two-time MVP averaged 33.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists. In Game 6, he had a playoff stat line (44 points, 20 rebounds and six assists) that had only been matched by Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivmfSptxl0
At this point, one could certainly argue Antetokounmpo has supplanted LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the best player in the NBA right now.
Giannis Says His Body and Mind Were 'Heavy' by End of Bucks' Series vs. Celtics
May 15, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts on the bench during the fourth quarter in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
As the Milwaukee Bucks attempted to extend their season Sunday in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, the mileage was beginning to add up for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Following a 109-81 loss to the Boston Celtics, the two-time MVP told reporters he was starting to feel the fatigue physically and mentally:
Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo after season-ending Game 7 loss to Celtics: "Legs heavy. Body heavy. Mind heavy. Everything was heavy."
For a player at Antetokounmpo's level, failing to advance past the conference semifinals will widely be viewed as a disappointment, especially when his team had a 3-2 series lead. But the Bucks' Game 6 loss showed how this outcome can't really be laid at the feet of the 6'11" standout.
Antetokounmpo dropped 44 points, 20 rebounds and six assists, which weren't enough to propel his team to a win. That's largely because the rest of the Bucks shot 22-of-58 from the field and 5-of-26 on three-pointers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivmfSptxl0
Milwaukee was always going to lean heavily on its best player, but Khris Middleton's knee injury meant the Greek Freak would have to assume an even larger role.
According to Basketball Reference, his usage rate during last year's championship run was 31.8 percent. His usage climbed to 38.9 percent this postseason prior to Sunday's game. That was on pace to be the sixth-highest in a single playoffs since 1977-78.
Of the top 10 players on that list, only Michael Jordan in 1992-93 went on to be a part of a title-winning team.
Having to be so reliant on one player hurts on two fronts. Not only does it make the offense too predictable, but said player inevitably begins to feel that burden. Even somebody as physically imposing as Antetokounmpo can only take so much.
Giannis Runs 'Out of Gas' as Bucks' Supporting Cast Gets Called out for Poor Game 7
May 15, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks' quest to win a second straight NBA championship came to an end Sunday with a 109-81 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the second-round playoff series.
Giannis Antetokounmpo came out firing on all cylinders with 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the first quarter. His play faded while being asked to carry almost the entire offensive load, however, and no one else stepped up to save the Bucks' season.
Bucks are done. Giannis is out of gas and no one else showed up outside of Brook early on.
The team's lack of depth without Khris Middleton, who was sidelined since early in Round 1 with a knee injury, was on full display in the face of a swarming Celtics defense.
The Bucks could use Khris Middleton right about now.
— Mr. Statistician Face Man (@tomhaberstroh) May 15, 2022
It sparked debate about whether Milwaukee did enough with the roster around Giannis to make a serious bid to repeat:
I feel bad for Giannis. This is an awful supporting cast performance
Khris Middleton had so many huge games during Milwaukee’s championship run, including a 40-point performance in the NBA Finals. I’m surprised the Bucks won three games against Boston without him.
It would have been nice if anyone besides Giannis attempted to play the game of basketball. Bucks organization didn’t do enough to the roster this year. And let’s remember the pre injury Middleton tweets that were being sent. Not like he was playing lights out or even close.
By the second half, it appeared Antetokounmpo simply didn't have the energy necessary to put the Bucks on his shoulders as he has so often over the past two seasons:
i can't remember the last time i've seen giannis look this rattled. years? multiple?
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum enjoyed another strong outing for the Celtics with 23 points and eight assists. The C's also got a breakout performance from Grant Williams, who knocked down seven threes en route to a game-high 27 points.
Boston advances to face the top-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. It's a rematch of the 2020 conference finals, which the Heat won in six games.
The Celtics last reached the NBA Finals
in 2010 and captured their most recent title in 2008.
On the flip side, the Bucks' core of Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Holiday are all under contract for at least one more season, but there will be questions about what type of moves should be made to reinvigorate the roster after the second-round exit.
Damian Lillard Says He'd Team with Giannis Antetokounmpo If He Could Pick Any Player
May 15, 2022
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 17: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Team LeBron drives against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Team Giannis in the fourth quarter during the NBA All-Star game as part of the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend at Spectrum Center on February 17, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Team LeBron won 178-164. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
If the stars ever manage to align, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has his sights set on playing alongside a two-time NBA MVP.
When asked Sunday by a Twitter user which current player he would choose to play with in order to help him get into the playoffs or to the NBA Finals, Lillard responded with Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It is tough to argue with Lillard's pick since Antetokounmpo is the reigning NBA Finals MVP after leading the Bucks to a championship last season.
He has also helped the Bucks make it to the playoffs in six consecutive seasons, which is the second-longest streak in franchise history.
Lillard knows a thing or two about getting to the playoffs, as he and the Blazers made it eight years in a row before finally missing out this season with a 27-55 record.
Dame's absence was a big reason for Portland's struggles since he was limited to just 29 games with an abdominal injury that required surgery.
Even during the Blazers' eight-year playoff streak, postseason success largely eluded them, however.
Portland only reached the Western Conference Finals once during that time and was eliminated in the first round five times.
With the Blazers trading away many of their top players this season, speculation arose regarding the franchise potentially parting ways with Lillard in a trade as well.
He is under contract through at least the 2023-24 season, though, and has made it clear on numerous occasions that he doesn't want to be traded.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo is the franchise guy in Milwaukee, and he is signed through at least 2025, so he isn't going anywhere in the near future either.
A Lillard-Antetokounmpo duo seems more like a pipe dream than anything at this point, but it is fun to think about two of the NBA's best scorers wearing the same uniform.
Bucks Cancel Game 7 Watch Party After Shootings Near Fiserv Forum's 'Deer District'
May 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 06: A general view of the Milwaukee Bucks logo at center court before a game against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum on March 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal matchup on Sunday at TD Garden, but the franchise's watch party outside of Fiserv Forum will not go on as planned.
The Bucks announced Saturday that they have canceled their Game 7 watch party in the Deer District outside of their arena following the shootings that happened in downtown Milwaukee on Friday night.
A total of 21 people were injured in three separate shootings near Fiserv Forum on Friday.
Three people, including a teenage girl, were shot near the "Deer District" toward the end of the Bucks' Game 6 loss to the Celtics. The plaza outside of Fiserv Forum reached its capacity of 11,000 people during the game, and after gunshots were heard, fans fled the area.
A 19-year-old has since been arrested in connection with the shooting.
Another person was injured in a second shooting before the third shooting occurred less than one mile from the arena hours after the game ended. It left 17 people with non-life-threatening injuries.
No arrest was made in relation to the second shooting, but 10 people were taken into custody in relation to the third shooting. Police also recovered nine firearms from the third shooting, which they described "as an exchange of gunfire between two groups of people," per ESPN's Jamal Collier.
Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson has since put an 11 p.m. curfew in place for both Saturday and Sunday.
This is the second straight year people have been shot near Fiserv Forum on the day of a Bucks playoff game. In July 2021, three people were injured in two shootings near the arena as fans celebrated the team's first NBA title in 50 years.
The Bucks and Celtics will tip off in Game 7 on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Windhorst: Khris Middleton Unlikely to Return from Injury for Bucks-Celtics Game 7
May 14, 2022
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 08: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons during the third quarter at Little Caesars Arena on April 08, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton reportedly isn't expected to be ready to return from injury for Game 7 of the Bucks' second-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.
According to ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst (h/t RealGM.com), sources expressed optimism earlier this week regarding Middleton being able to return over the weekend, but things have "not developed" and there is now pessimism about him playing Sunday.
Windhorst added that even if the Bucks beat the Celtics and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals, there is pessimism that Middleton would be ready for the start of that series.
Middleton suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Chicago Bulls, and he hasn't played at all during the second round.
Despite not having the services of Middleton, the defending NBA champions have persevered, splitting the first six games of their second-round playoff series with the second-seeded Celtics.
Milwaukee had a chance to close it out Friday night in Game 6, but Boston came through and forced Game 7 with a 108-95 triumph.
Getting Middleton back would provide the Bucks with a massive boost given how much he has meant to the team in recent years.
The 30-year-old has been named an All-Star in three of the past four seasons and has averaged over 20 points per game in each of the past three campaigns as well.
In 66 games this season, Middleton averaged 20.1 points, 5.4 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 2.5 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per contest. He also shot 44.3 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from beyond the arc.
It was a solid follow-up to what he did during the Bucks' playoff run last season, when he averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.6 three-pointers made and 1.5 steals in 23 postseason games.
Middleton appeared in just two games during the Chicago series before getting injured, so head coach Mike Budenholzer has had to make do without him for nearly the entire playoff run.
Usual suspects like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday have stepped up, but the Bucks have also gotten increased contributions from Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, Grayson Allen and Brook Lopez.
If Middleton can't go in Game 7, then the Bucks will likely need a big game or two out of their role players in order to get past a Celtics team led by Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Al Horford.
Man Arrested After Shooting Near Fiserv Forum's 'Deer District' During Celtics-Bucks
May 14, 2022
The Fiserv Forum is seen as the sun sets Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Milwaukee. Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference basketball finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks is scheduled to begin Wednesday, June 23, at the facility. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Three shootings near Milwaukee's Fiserv
Forum, where the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks played Game 6 of
their second-round playoff series Friday night, left 21 people with
non-life-threatening injuries.
ESPN's Jamal Collier reported the first
shooting took place near the Bucks' Deer District close to the end of the
NBA game. Three people were injured, and a 19-year-old man was taken into custody.
"The incident took place outside
of the Deer District area," Bucks chief communications officer
Barry Baum told Collier. "We direct all questions to the
Milwaukee Police Department."
Another person was injured in a second shooting, and 17 people were injured a few
hours later less than a mile from the arena after the third. Milwaukee Police told
ESPN they aren't sure whether the shootings are connected and
investigations are underway.
In a statement released Saturday, the Bucks said they've canceled their watch party for Game 7 in the aftermath of the shootings.
— Patrick Paolantonio (@ppaolantonio) May 14, 2022
Milwaukee Police captain Warren Allen
told WISN those injured in the initial shooting included a
30-year-old man, 26-year-old woman and 16-year-old girl.
Allen added a gun was recovered from
that shooting.
The third shooting led to the arrests
of 10 people and the recovery of nine firearms, per Collier. No arrests have been made in the second shooting.
Last July, three people were injured in
two shootings near Fiserv Forum as people celebrated the Bucks'
triumph in the 2021 NBA Finals for the franchise's first title since
1971.
Game 7 between the Bucks and Celtics is
scheduled for Sunday at Boston's TD Garden.
Bucks’ Giannis Says Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Was ‘Unbelievable’ During 46-Point Game 6
May 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum put the Boston Celtics on his back in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at Fiserv Forum, finishing with 46 points in a 108-95 victory to force a Game 7 at TD Garden.
Even Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo lauded Tatum for his "unbelievable" performance during his postgame press conference.
"He was unbelievable. He was knocking down shots, tough shots. ... You've got to give him credit. He played unbelievable. He led his team to a win," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "As I said, made a lot of tough shots. Like, I think like as a team, we were doing a good job, you know, like being in front of him, you know, make him shoot contested threes, contested twos. But he made them. You know, and you've got to respect that. He played unbelievable."
Tatum was the driving force behind Boston's Game 6 win. He shot 17-of-32 from the floor and 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, in addition to putting up nine rebounds, four assists and one block.
It was, without question, his best performance of this year's playoffs. However, he has impressed nearly every time he has stepped on the court this spring. The 24-year-old entered Friday's game averaging 26.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals and one block through nine playoff games.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown said Tatum's performance was part of a "signature game" for the Celtics, and head coach Ime Udoka lauded Tatum for his "huge night." Some of the NBA's best players also took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Tatum's performance.
That boy @jaytatum0 sumn else. Bra from “parts unknown” lol
Speaking with reporters Following Friday's win, Tatum said knowing that a Game 6 loss would've ended the Celtics season was enough to get him going.
"Knowing that if we lost, our season would be over with. I was excited to play Game 6," Tatum said. "This was a big moment for all of us—for myself and the team—for how we would respond."
Tatum will need to be just as dominant, if not more dominant, in Game 7 on home court this weekend. A chance for a 2020 Eastern Conference Finals rematch against the Miami Heat should be enough to fuel the Celtics entering the biggest game of their season to date.
Game 7 between the Celtics and Bucks is slated for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Boston.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Talks Bucks vs. Celtics Game 7: 'Be Fearless, Play Free'
May 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 13: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 13, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
The Boston Celtics will host the Milwaukee Bucks for Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals after defeating the defending NBA champions 108-95 on Friday behind 46 points from Jayson Tatum.
After the game, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed his strategy for that battle.
"For me, just go out there, play, you know, free," Antetokounmpo said in a postgame press conference on NBA TV. "Be fearless, play free. We don’t owe nobody nothing."
The Bucks have put up a valiant effort despite missing three-time All-Star Khris Middleton, who suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. Antetokounmpo has been sensational and finished with 44 points and 20 rebounds Friday.
However, the Bucks are now faced with a win-or-go home scenario on the road.
"You learn from it [Game 7s]. You learn what the atmosphere is like. You know, you know when the ball gets heavy," Antetokounmpo said.
The 2021-22 version of the Bucks is far better and more battle-tested than the last time the squad saw the C's in a Game 7. In 2018, Boston eliminated Milwaukee in the first round of the playoffs.
Antetokounmpo has won two NBA MVPs and an NBA Finals MVP since then, and he's no stranger to coming through in the clutch in the playoffs either, as evidenced by his 50 points to close out the Phoenix Suns in last year's NBA Finals.
Game 7 will go down Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden. The winner will play the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Woj: Bucks' Khris Middleton in Line to Return from Knee Injury for East Finals
May 12, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 03: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the fourth quarter of Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on May 03, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bucks 109-86. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks are one win away from clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals and perhaps clearing the way for Khris Middleton to return from his knee injury.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski revealed as much during Thursday's episode of NBA Countdown and even said he hasn't fully been ruled out for a return in the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics even though it appears unlikely:
There's been some speculation about the possibility of him returning in this series. He's listed out right now for Game 6. I'm told it's unlikely he plays Game 6 even Game 7—not fully been ruled out, although that's what it says on the injury report. But I'm told he's making very good progress. If the Bucks were to win this series, close out the Celtics, I think you could very much expect to see Khris Middleton back for the Bucks in the conference finals.
Middleton suffered the injury during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Chicago Bulls.
The setback seemed to put that series in doubt since Chicago won Game 2 and stole home-court advantage, but the Bucks responded by winning three straight without their second-leading scorer.
A showdown with Boston has been much more difficult with the two teams trading wins through the first five games. The physical series has surely taken its toll on players such as Wesley Matthews, Grayson Allen and George Hill, who have larger roles without Middleton, so getting the three-time All-Star back figures to be key.
Fortunately for the Bucks, they still have Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He has staked his claim to the title of best player in the world currently while averaging 33.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, seven assists and 1.2 blocks per game against a stout Boston defense. He is consistently putting Milwaukee on his back without Middleton in the lineup and has reached the 40-point mark in two of the last three contests.
Antetokounmpo isn't working alone, though, as Jrue Holiday made two monster defensive plays in the final 10 seconds of Wednesday's 110-107 win in Game 5 with a block and steal on Marcus Smart.
Holiday also added 24 points and eight assists and will need to continue being the team's No. 2 option until Middleton returns.
It might take just one win to ensure that return happens.
