Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo: Allen Iverson is Reason I Started Playing Basketball
Feb 21, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the Taco Bell Skills Challenge as part of 2022 NBA All Star Weekend on February 19, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo had a long conversation with Hall of Famer Allen Iverson ahead of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, and the "Greek Freak" told the legendary shooter that he started playing basketball because of him.
This isn't the first time Antetokounmpo has discussed his love for Iverson, either. In 2019, the two-time MVP said that when he was a kid living in Greece, he would go to an internet cafe and pay to use a computer just to watch Iverson's highlights.
While Antetokounmpo is much bigger than Iverson, he does have some guard-like skills similar to those of the former Philadelphia 76ers star.
The veteran is lethal on the fast break and can get to the basket with ease. He also has developed a nice crossover, especially for a big man. And like Iverson in his prime, Antetokounmpo is currently one of the best players in the NBA.
The 27-year-old is once again in the MVP conversation amid another impressive season in which he's averaging 29.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists while shooting 54.7 percent from the floor and 30.9 percent from deep in 49 games.
The play of Antetokounmpo has the Bucks fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 36-24 record. Milwaukee is just 2.5 games behind the first-place Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls, who are tied for the top spot.
Antetokounmpo was one of only many kids that idolized Iverson growing up. The Sixers drafted Iverson first overall in 1996 and went on to be the Rookie of the Year, an 11-time All-Star, four-time scoring champion, three-time steal champion and two-time All-Star MVP. He was also named MVP during the 2000-01 season and made the Hall of Fame.
In 914 games, Iverson averaged 26.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 6.2 assists while shooting 42.5 percent from the floor and 31.3 percent from deep.
Giannis Praises Ja Morant's Improvement: 'He's Having an Unbelievable Year'
Feb 19, 2022
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 04: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game at FedExForum on March 04, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was highly complimentary of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant during an NBA All-Star Weekend press conference Saturday in Cleveland.
Giannis lauded Morant's improvement since entering the league and suggested Ja could eventually lead the Grizzlies to a championship:
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo on Grizzlies’ Ja Morant: “He’s improved with every single year. He’s having an unbelievable year this year, crazy. I know that he’s a very humble kid. I know he works extremely hard. Why not? Why can’t he win a championship in Memphis?” pic.twitter.com/9eI0ZBJmDX
Morant, who was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2020 after going No. 2 overall in the 2019 draft, is making his All-Star Game debut Sunday.
After averaging what was then a career-high 19.1 points per game last season, Morant has raised his game to an elite level this season, averaging 26.8 points per game to go along with 6.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 three-pointers made and 1.2 steals per contest.
Morant has also been more efficient than ever, shooting 49.5 percent from the field and 33.0 percent from beyond the arc.
While the 22-year-old somewhat surprisingly led the Grizzlies to the playoffs last season as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, the team has grown by leaps and bounds this season.
With a record of 41-19, the Grizzlies have the third-best mark in the NBA and are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, making them legitimate championship contenders.
Giannis knows a thing or two about playing top-flight basketball and winning championships, as he is a two-time NBA MVP and won NBA Finals MVP last season en route to the Bucks winning a title.
Since the Bucks are in a virtual tie for third in the Eastern Conference, a Bucks vs. Grizzlies NBA Finals isn't outside the realm of possibility.
First, they will go head to head in Sunday's All-Star Game when Giannis and Team LeBron face Morant and Team Durant.
Joel Embiid Drops 42, Giannis Posts 32 as 76ers Outlast Bucks in Thriller
Feb 18, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid drives past Milwaukee Bucks' Jrue Holiday during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
In a game that could have playoff implications, the Philadelphia 76ers walked away 123-120 winners over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.
Entering the game, the Bucks and Sixers were third and fifth, respectively, in the Eastern Conference and separated by just one game.
The postseason is still a few months off, but this result could prove beneficial for Philadelphia since the margin between the teams might be slim when the seeding is finalized. Their season series is now split, with the rubber match to come March 29.
For Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer, the way in which Joel Embiid dominated inside could be a foreboding sign. Embiid had his ninth 40-point game of the season.
This is @sixers@JoelEmbiid's league-leading ninth game this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds.
They're the second-most ever in a season by a 76er behind HOFer Wilt Chamberlain's 18 in 1965-66.
Joel Embiid, C, 76ers: 42 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, one steal
Tyrese Maxey, PG, 76ers: 19 points, two rebounds, four assists
Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF, Bucks: 32 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, three steals, one block
Jrue Holiday, PG, Bucks: 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal
Sixers Turn Tide with Second-Quarter Blitz
With 4:56 left in the first half, the Bucks led by 12 points, 53-41. The Sixers then outscored Milwaukee 28-8 over the remainder of the quarter to jump ahead 69-61 at halftime.
Furkan Korkmaz capped off the offensive outburst with a putback at the buzzer.
The comeback was a stark contrast from Philly's last game, a 48-point loss at the hands of the Boston Celtics.
Embiid played to type and looked every bit like a front-runner for MVP. Without Tyrese Maxey, though, this might have been another defeat. The 6'2" guard provided much needed support for Embiid, which was the difference in the second quarter when the Sixers started turning things around.
Just an absolute clinic from Embiid and Maxey to end that half.
Great final 5 minutes of the half for the Sixers. Outscored the Bucks 28-8 to take a 69-61 lead at the break. I can't wait to see how much Maxey improves as a scorer with Harden on the squad.
Imagine how unstoppable the 7'0" center will be if that becomes a regular tool in his arsenal.
As much as the Sixers have achieved to this point—and despite the questions over how head coach Doc Rivers will seamlessly fit him into the offense—this game might have been a reminder of why Harden's presence will be so vital.
Once Philadelphia fell behind in the fourth, there was only so much the offense could run through Embiid because of how the Bucks were defending him. Having Harden as an option will clearly add a different dimension to the Sixers' attack.
Balanced Bucks Can't Hang on Late
Although Milwaukee didn't get a ton of scoring output from its bench, all five of the Bucks' starters scored at least 17 points.
Not surprisingly, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday led the way. The contributions of Bobby Portis and Jordan Nwora were just as valuable as they helped ease the pressure on the team's top stars.
Once the fourth quarter arrived, though, it was often down to Antetokounmpo and Holiday to deliver in the biggest moments.
With Philly clinging to a three-point lead with 7:21 on the clock, Tobias Harris was all too happy to bait Giannis into taking a three-pointer. The two-time MVP made Harris regret that decision.
But the Bucks couldn't stop Embiid forever, and they committed a pair of turnovers on back-to-back possessions when they were in a position to at least tie the game.
What's Next?
The Bucks and Sixers are both heading into the All-Star break. Philadelphia will return to action Feb. 25 on the road against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Milwaukee will host the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 26.
Tracy McGrady Says Giannis Would Have 'Struggled' in His Era Due to Jump Shot
Feb 18, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts against the Brooklyn Nets during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 7, 2022, in New York. The Bucks won 121-109. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Tracy McGrady's resume speaks for itself, but the Hall of Famer offered a bit of a head-scratcher when discussing how Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo might fit into a previous era.
Appearing on The Big Podcast with Shaq, McGrady and host Shaquille O'Neal began debating whether some of the top stars of today would flourish in another time. McGrady made the point that Antetokounmpo might not be the dominant force he is now.
"I think he would have struggled because of how closed up the paint was back then," McGrady said at the 14:42 mark. "... It was tough offensively because the defense was so great and the paint was closed up.
"If you can't shoot, it's going to be hard. And Giannis' game is predicated on coming downhill. He's developed a little jump shot now, but I think it would've been tough for him to be who he is today back then."
Antetokounmpo's jumper is the biggest flaw in his game. He's shooting 29 percent from three-point range over his career, and nearly half (48.4 percent) of his field-goal attempts have come within three feet of the basket, per Basketball Reference.
But that hasn't stopped him from leading the NBA in scoring (29.4 points) this season.
The idea that the 6'11", 242-pound Antetokounmpo might struggle to cope with the physicality of the 1990s or early 2000s is also the kind of thing that raises eyebrows.
Kevin Garnett had almost the exact same frame (6'11", 240 pounds) and was a 15-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA player. Garnett was a better and more frequent shooter from mid-range than Antetokounmpo, but it's not as if he was constantly bullied out of the paint during McGrady's era.
Go back a little further and picture any one of Chris Webber, Karl Malone, Shawn Kemp or Charles Barkley attempting to match up defensively with Giannis. Would they fare much better than the Greek Freak's current peers?
These discussions also tend to overlook how any player is a product of the league landscape. If you take Antetokounmpo and put him in the NBA 10 or 20 years ago, then he would've adapted to fit however the game was being played.
Joel Embiid Leads Nikola Jokic for 2022 NBA MVP in Latest ESPN Straw Poll
Feb 17, 2022
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 15: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the Boston Celtics on February 15, 2022 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
It's looking increasingly like a two-man race for the 2021-22 NBA MVP.
Joel Embiid narrowly leads Nikola Jokic in the latest voter straw poll taken by ESPN's Tim Bontemps, earning 45 first-place votes to Jokic's 43. Embiid holds a 35-point lead overall, with Giannis Antetokounmpo coming in a distant third place.
ESPN NBA MVP Voting Straw Poll 1. Joel Embiid 2. Nikola Jokic 3. Giannis Antetokounmpo 4. Stephen Curry 5. Chris Paul
The two big men finished 1-2 in MVP voting last season, with Jokic becoming the first Denver Nuggets player to win the NBA's top individual honor.
Embiid was arguably the favorite at the All-Star break last season before falling behind Jokic because of injury issues. He has played 45 of the Sixers' 57 games this season, averaging 29.3 points, 11.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
The Sixers navigated the season-long controversy surrounding Ben Simmons to sit 34-23 heading into Thursday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. With the Simmons situation finally sorted and James Harden in place, the burden should be lessened on Embiid for the stretch run.
Jokic continues to wow every night as perhaps the most offensively skilled big man in NBA history. He's putting up 26.0 points, 13.8 points and 7.9 assists a night while being a consistent three-point shooter and keeping the Nuggets afloat despite Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. being out of the lineup with injuries.
Nearly every advancedmetricfavorsJokic, but metrics tend to do a poor job of quantifying non-statistical defensive impact—an area where Embiid is head and shoulders above his counterpart. Embiid acts as a fulcrum of the Sixers defense, thwarting opponents at the rim with his combination of size and stellar instincts.
Jokic is a vastly improved defensive player but still nowhere near the caliber of Embiid.
Antetokounmpo, Curry and Paul were the only other players to receive first-place votes. Curry raced out to an early-season lead in polling but has fallen behind amid the most prolonged shooting slump of his NBA career.
Giannis Erupts for 1st 50-Point Game Since 2021 NBA Finals in Win vs. Pacers
Feb 16, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 15: Khris Middleton #22 talks to Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game against the Indiana Pacers on February 15, 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 NBA All-Star break might be fast approaching, but Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't taking his foot off the gas.
The two-time MVP dropped 50 points, 14 rebounds and four assists in a 128-119 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. It was his first 50-point outing since Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYuRctTwJUQ
ESPN Stats & Info noted Antetokounmpo has the second-most 50-point regular-season performances (three) in Bucks history. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar maintains the franchise record (10), and that mark won't fall any time soon.
The 6'11" forward was an efficient 17-of-21 from the field and missed just four of his 18 free-throw attempts. He bullied a Pacers frontcourt that was sorely missing Myles Turner, who continues to nurse a foot injury.
Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield combined for 53 points, but they couldn't counteract Milwaukee's success inside. The Bucks claimed a 62-48 advantage in points in the paint.
Though the reigning NBA champions weren't exactly resting on their laurels to open this season, they clearly performed at a level or two below the heights they reached last year.
That's no longer the case, and Antetokounmpo is a big reason why.
Left ankle soreness kept him out for Monday's 122-107 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. Prior to that, he had averaged 31.2 points and 10.8 rebounds since the calendar turned to 2022.
Especially with the Brooklyn Nets' trade of James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Eastern Conference is wide open. The Bucks are the favorites (+250) at FanDuel, with the the Nets (+280) and Sixers (+290) hot on their heels.
Now that the team is really hitting its stride, Milwaukee might strengthen its top dog status once the stretch run begins.
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Eventually, at some point this season, the NBA 's MVP ladder may not require us to agonize over the order and the ultimate winner of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. Now, as it turns out, is not that time...
In a week that included a bonkers trade-deadline day (as well as the lead-up to it), plenty of teams around the league solidified their rotations, made some money-saving moves or completely overhauled the top of their rosters...
Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul Star as Suns Beat Giannis, Bucks in NBA Finals Rematch
Feb 11, 2022
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 10: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 10, 2022 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
In a rematch of the 2021 NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns came away with a 131-107 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday. Deandre Ayton led the way with 27 points on 12-of-14 shooting as Phoenix maintained the best record in the league at 45-10.
Chris Paul added 17 points and tied a season-high with 19 assists. For the Suns, it was their fourth straight win and 15th victory in their last 16 games. It was the first meeting of the season between last year's conference champions.
The Bucks had their four-game win streak come to an end and fell to 35-22. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton both had 21 points in the loss. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 18 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
Notable Stats
C Deandre Ayton, PHX: 27 points (12-of-14 FG), 7 rebounds
G Chris Paul, PHX: 17 points, 19 assists
G Devin Booker, PHX: 17 points (6-of-19 FG), 7 assists
Phoenix looked like a team on a mission Thursday night. Every chance they got, the Suns aggressively drove the ball into the paint for high-percentage shots.
It also helped that Phoenix played a fairly clean game, giving up just three turnovers in the first half. Led by Ayton's strong performance inside, Phoenix took an eight-point lead into halftime. The big man scored 15 of his 27 points before heading into the locker room.
Three keys to that first half:
-Suns up 36-24 in points in the paint -Suns up 9-4 in second-chance points -17 assists to only 3 TOs
Just a real gritty half from the Suns. They shot 3-of-16 from 3 but still managed 64 points thanks to 17 assists, 36 points in the paint, 19 bench points and only three turnovers.
The Ayton Show continued in the third quarter as the Suns blew the game open. He was able to take advantage of Milwaukee's undersized frontline, especially when Antetokounmpo wasn't guarding him. Ayton had Bobby Portis and others visibly frustrated because of his energy and activity down low.
Deandre Ayton and Bobby Portis were jostling in the paint. Foul on Portis. Portis gives Ayton a little something extra with his hands on him. Tech on Portis. Ayton just stood there and grinned
Playoff Deandre Ayton is here, and you know he wanted to play well tonight after talking about how poorly he played against Giannis in last year's Finals. He looks determined. Inspired.
No Brook Lopez or Giannis defending Ayton has changed this matchup. Bucks have been switching everything and the Suns are punishing them for it through DA. That's 19 points for him on 8-of-10 shooting.
Phoenix took a 20-point lead into the fourth quarter and didn't take its foot off the gas. In addition to Ayton's efficient night, Mikal Bridges (18 points) shot 7-of-11, Cam Johnson (15 points) shot 6-of-8 and JaVale McGee (12 points) shot 6-of-9.
The Suns' prowess inside was especially needed on a night where they shot 9-of-30 from beyond the arc.
Phoenix finished with a field-goal percentage of 56.7 and outscored Milwaukee in the paint 68-50. The team had 35 assists to just eight turnovers and every player that entered the game scored at least one point. It was a spirited effort clearly motivated by a desire to avenge last year's loss in the NBA Finals.
Thursday's win was a statement victory for the Suns, who are the clear front-runners to contend for a title this season.
Bucks Run Out of Gas at End of Road Trip
Milwaukee obviously wasn't playing with the same motivation as it had in last year's finals, but it was clear that the team was a step behind the Suns throughout the night.
The Bucks got ran out of the building Thursday, losing steam in the second half after getting dominated inside by an aggressive Phoenix offense. The lackluster effort by Milwaukee came two days after a blowout victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in which Antetokounmpo went off for 44 points.
Things were much different against the Suns, as Antetokounmpo was limited to just six field-goal attempts in the first half. He scored all 18 of his points in the first three quarters, and it looked like he was ready for the West Coast road trip to come to an end.
Giannis at 10 points on eight shot attempts. He will turn it up at some point here. Suns taking advantage with an 11-point lead.
The Bucks fell behind by as many as 27 in the second half. Head coach Mike Budenholzer waved the white flag halfway through the fourth quarter and pulled his starters.
These are the dog days of the NBA as we inch closer to the All-Star break. With a run of six straight home games on the horizon, it was clear the Bucks were ready to head back to Milwaukee. This is the type of loss that the team will put in its rearview immediately as it moves forward this season.
What's Next?
The Suns will go for their fifth straight win Saturday when the Orlando Magic come to town. The Bucks will return to Milwaukee to start a six-game homestand Monday against the Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA All-Star Game 2022 Rosters Revealed After Team LeBron vs. Team Durant Draft
Feb 11, 2022
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MARCH 07: Lebron James #23 of Team LeBron reacts against Team Durant in the 70th NBA All-Star Game at State Farm Arena on March 07, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers might be struggling, but he is back to defend the best dynasty going in the NBA: His undefeated run as captain of an All-Star team.
James is 4-0 ever since the league switched its All-Star Game format to one where the two captains draft from the player pool. The draft for the 2022 All-Star Game occurred Thursday, and James, as the leading vote-getter in the West, now has his roster.
He went up against Kevin Durant, who was the leading vote-getter in the East, for the second straight year after building a team that defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo twice and Stephen Curry once in the first three All-Star Game drafts.
James earned the first pick as the leading overall vote-getter, and the two captains picked first from the starters and then from the reserves.
Here is how it all unfolded on TNT.
Starters
Team LeBron, Pick 1: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Team Durant, Pick 2: Joel Embiid
Team LeBron, Pick 3: Steph Curry
Team Durant, Pick 4: Ja Morant
Team LeBron, Pick 5: DeMar DeRozan
Team Durant, Pick 6: Jayson Tatum
Team LeBron, Pick 7: Nikola Jokic
Team Durant, Pick 8/9: Trae Young, Andrew Wiggins
Reserves
Team Durant, Pick 1: Devin Booker
Team LeBron, Pick 2: Luka Doncic
Team Durant, Pick 3: Karl-Anthony Towns
Team LeBron, Pick 4: Darius Garland
Team Durant, Pick 5: Zach LaVine
Team LeBron, Pick 6: Chris Paul
Team Durant, Pick 7: Dejounte Murray
Team LeBron, Pick 8: Jimmy Butler
Team Durant, Pick 9: Khris Middleton
Team LeBron, Pick 10: Donovan Mitchell
Team Durant, Pick 11: LaMelo Ball
Team LeBron, Pick 12: Fred VanVleet
Team Durant, Pick 13: Rudy Gobert
Team LeBron, Pick 14: James Harden
James wasted no time picking who he called the "hardest playing player in All-Star history" in Antetokounmpo with the first overall pick, but the first surprise may have come with Durant's initial selection.
Instead of taking former Golden State Warriors teammate Stephen Curry, Durant went big with Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. That left Curry for Team LeBron with the next pick, meaning the trio of Antetokounmpo, James and Curry could be on the floor together on the same team.
Team Durant has plenty of stars, including his next pick in Ja Morant, but countering that trio will be a daunting task.
As if that wasn't enough, James added the reigning league MVP in Nikola Jokic to counter Embiid's size.
Durant got an extra pick with Trae Young and Andrew Wiggins to end the starters round because he will not be able to play in the game due to injury. Jayson Tatum is taking his place in the starting lineup and will fittingly suit up for Team Durant as well.
There were some notable reserves picks as well, including James saying he would take Darius Garland because of his remaining loyalty to Cleveland, but the second round was defined by when James Harden would go off the board.
After all, Durant's Brooklyn Nets traded Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, and it became clear as the draft continued that KD had no interest in drafting his now former teammate.
Harden fell all the way to James with the final pick as everyone involved made sly references to what was happening. James even had to cover his face with a clipboard at one point because he was laughing so much.
