Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks had a bumpy ride in their second-round series versus the Miami Heat as Jimmy Butler and Co., who had the ability to dispatch the top-seeded team in the East in 5 video games. Thinking about those circumstances, private honors are likely the outermost thing from anyones mind.
However it is awards season, and ahead of Fridays Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, Giannis has been called NBA MVP for the 2nd straight season, as initially reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN and later on validated by the league. Hes the very first player because Steph Curry in 2015 and 2016 to go back-to-back, and the 11th all-time to achieve that accomplishment. Antetokounmpo vanquished James Harden of the Rockets and LeBron James of the Lakers for the award..
Aided by the arrival of Mike Budenholzer and his five-out system, Giannis took his game to brand-new heights last season. In some way, he played even much better. He set up 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds– both career-highs– 5.6 helps, and a take and a block per game..
Along the method, he led the Bucks to a 53-12 record prior to the season being postponed, and at one point had them going after the vaunted 70-win club. With Giannis leading the method, Milwaukee was connected for seventh in offense, and led the league in defense by a wide margin, limiting opponents to 102.5 points per 100 belongings..
For his efforts on that end of the flooring, Giannis was also called Defensive Player of the Year for the very first time in his profession. With confirmation of his MVP Award, hes now just the third player ever to take home both of those trophies in the exact same year, signing up with Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon..
But as excellent as that is, theres another prize that Giannis aspires to include to his collection. To get it, hell need to lead the Bucks to a comeback deserving of an MVP..
USATSI
