Down 2-0 Bucks Greek Freak Steps Up

By Andrew Rosario

 

As if winning the MVP two years in a row wasn’t enough, the Milwaukee Bucks center Giannis Antetokounmpo is on his way to becoming another NBA Super Star who might never win a championship along with players like Patrick Ewing, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone and John Stockton. The Bucks took out the heavily favored Brooklyn Nets, winning the deciding game on the road at Barclays Center. Granted, the Nets were without Kyrie Irvin (after game 3) and a hobbled James Harden who didn’t play until game 5 (hamstring). Without Antetokounmpo and an ill-advised three-point attempt in overtime by Kevin Durant, Milwaukee would have been another post-season disappointment.  

 

Moving on the face the Pheonix Suns, who were led by another ringless star in Chris Paul, the Bucks were dominated in the first two games in the series. Giannis had no help in the first two games. Similar to the supporting cast who became invisible players after the two games in the previous series. What this post-season has shown us is how important the home court advantage has become.

 

 

Pheonix used it in dominating both games by an average of close to 10 points with neither game being contested by the road team. The Bucks saw Giannis score 42 points in game 2. The other starters chipped in a paltry 12 points combined. Suns Devon Booker, came out of his shell dropping 31 points. His teammate Mikal Bridges shined scoring 27.  

 

Game 3 showed that Giannis was using his fan base to not go down a series crippling 3-0 deficit. Being more aggressive and relying on his mates, the Bucks made it a series in the 120-100 win. Jrue Holiday 21 points and Khris Middleton 18. Dropping 41 points, the Greek Freek joined Shaquille O’neal in scoring over 40 points and 10 rebounds in consecutive NBA Finals games. The first player to do it since 2014. Said Giannis after game 3, “At the end of the day, what I think is ‘always stay aggressive. Always try to get downhill.” 

 

Chris Paul is playing in first NBA Finals after 16 years. Giannis Antetokounmpo has won multiple MVP’s. When all is said and done after the Finals are over, one of them will be part of the class that has not won the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Time is running out for Paul. Giannis will have many more chances.