NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 3

NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 3 – No. 1: Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered a legacy-defining performance that will be engraved in NBA Finals History

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the superstar, leader, MVP, and soul of the Milwaukee Bucks, was unbelievable once again throughout Game 3. By dropping 41 points on 60.9 percent field goals, 13 rebounds, and six assists, Antetokounmpo became the second player in NBA history to record at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in back-to-back NBA Finals games, joining Shaquille O’Neal.

The 26-year-old generational talent had 42 points and 12 rebounds in the Game 2 loss, but this time around, his brilliant effort resulted in a much-needed win for this determined Bucks team. Right from the tip, Giannis showcased his aggressiveness and non-stop desire to attack the Suns with his length, freakishly-long strides, and relentlessness down low. Phoenix just didn’t have an answer for the two-time MVP and haven’t all series.

Antetokounmpo posted an incredible 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists through just the first three quarters, which placed him in elite company to say the least. The Greek Freak joined Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant as the only players to drop at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists through three quarters in the last 25 NBA Finals, per ESPN.

Despite coming off a scary knee injury a little over a week ago, Antetokounmpo hasn’t seemed to lose a step physically and certainly not mentally. It shows how his unconditional work ethic over his inspiring career has paid off. Not many players, if any, would be expected to put up the dominant numbers that Antetokounmpo has been piling in these NBA Finals, especially while recovering from a hyperextended knee.

Through the first three games of the NBA Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging 34.3 points, 14.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game on an efficient 62.5 percent field goals. That’s greatness at its finest. Antetokounmpo continues to build upon his promising legacy on the NBA’s most prolific stage.