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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is still the best in the NBA

By Thomas J. Brown

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 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)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 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) /
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Milwaukee Bucks; Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers wait for a free throw (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Why Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is still the best basketball player in the NBA: Accepting the challenge

Unfortunately for the Lakers, they were without their best player, LeBron James, on Wednesday night. However, they still had a lineup that featured Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis. With James sidelined due to injury, the assumption was that Davis would have a big night in order to fill his shoes. Giannis Antetokounmpo had other plans.

Anthony Davis once broke Wilt Chamberlain’s single-game record for most points scored in an All-Star game. He is among the best “bucket-getters” in the entire league. On Wednesday night, Antetokounmpo held him to a mere 18 points.

What’s even more telling is the fact that Davis did not attempt a single free throw the entire game. Giannis’ defensive prowess was intense enough to discourage one of the best interior scorers in the NBA from being aggressive inside the paint.

Much was made of Davis’ increased focus on the weight room and bulkier frame at the beginning of the season. However, the Greek Freak proved that when it comes to banging bodies in the paint, nobody does it better than him.

There are multiple players in the NBA for whom there is a valid argument for the title of “best in the world.” However, only one of them is the reigning Finals MVP.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is sometimes unfairly discredited due to his size and athleticism (shoutout to James Harden). On Wednesday, night he turned in a nationally televised performance that should silence the loudest of his critics. There are a lot of great players in the league right now; Giannis Antetokounmpo just happens to be the best of all of them.

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