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3 takeaways from Game 1 of Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics

By Jake Weinbach

BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Giannis Antetokounmpo and Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 1, 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)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket past Giannis Antetokounmpo and Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 1, 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) /
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Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics
May 1, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) exits the court after defeating the Boston Celtics in game one of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

3 takeaways from Game 1 of Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics: 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had a rough shooting night for the most part during Game 1 yet was still able to make a remarkable impact. Antetokounmpo tallied 24 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists, and two blocks across 38 minutes during the statement win.

It was the second playoff triple-double of Antetokounmpo’s career. Despite shooting 9-of-25 from the field, 6-of-11 from the free-throw line, and turning the ball over five times, the reigning Finals MVP made his star presence felt on both ends of the floor.

Whether it was putting on a passing clinic, locking up defensively, or throwing down dunks off the backboard to himself, Giannis never took the foot off the gas pedal. Without his co-star Khris Middleton, who remains out due to an MCL tear in his right knee, Antetokounmpo continues to inspire his team toward success.

To be fair, it wasn’t just the six-time All-Star, as Jrue Holiday was also magnificent with 25 points, nine rebounds, five assists, three steals, three three-pointers, and only two turnovers. Although, Antetokounmpo is on a different level than anyone else at the moment.

If teams around the league haven’t learned by now, you can never count out the Bucks if Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy. He’s obviously a very special talent with a one-of-a-kind mentality that can dominate you in every aspect of the game.

If Antetokounmpo can propel the Bucks to three more wins without Middleton against the Celtics to win the series and eventually clinch another NBA championship in the process, there will be serious chatter about his place among the all-time greats. His promising legacy continues to spiral upward and he’s still just 27 years old.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is already the best player in the world and will be for years to come. It’s Giannis’ league. Al Horford actually did a fascinating job defending him in Game 1, but the Celtics must do even more to limit his contributions if they’re going to advance to the next round.

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