Giannis Antetokounmpo, the GREEK FREAK, and reigning finals MVP have been in the conversation for MVP this season and the 2 time MVP put up monster numbers against the Lakers in the second meeting between the 2 teams. Giannis led the bucks to a 131-116 victory over the Lakers in which the bucks dominated throughout despite the Lakers going on a late run in the 4th quarter.
The Lakers started the game off with a sloppy defensive performance, allowing 78 points in the 1st half, the most in franchise history. The bucks couldn’t miss if they wanted to and were extremely efficient from the field. Russell Westbrook struggled again but did have a good rebounding night with 10 rebounds. The 8-time All-star was on the bench for most of the 4th quarter when the Lakers made a last-minute run to bring the game to within 12 points.
The Lakers had 3 players with 20 or more points (Malik Monk – 20, Anthony Davis – 22, and LeBron – 27) along with 26 points off the bench from Stanley Johnson (16) and Talen Horton Tucker (10). But it wasn’t enough to beat the bucks led by a 44 point performance from Giannis along with 21 from Middleton and 23 from Bobby Portis. The Greek Freak had a 47 point game the last time the 2 teams met and had another great game with 44 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists to lead the Bucks to victory.
The Lakers put up a great fight in the 4th quarter with LeBron and Westbrook on the bench and brought it to within 12 but Giannis said not on my watch and helped the bucks maintain the lead till the end. I did expect a great game from AD following the disappointing 17 point performance the last time against the bucks. While the power forward did not have a great scoring night he did have a good defensive performance with 3 blocks and 1 steal.
This game was supposed to tell us whether the Lakers have figured out how to overcome their struggles as a team. Looks like it is going to be a while before they can get back to playing winning basketball and be a contender for the championship. At the moment it doesn’t look like they have lost hope and there is a chance that they find their identity as a championship calibre team soon.
Giannis has made the MVP race interesting again. While Joel Embiid is considered the current favourite, the 2 time MVP is certainly making a case for himself in the MVP conversation. With the Bucks having the better team and the better record, Giannis may end up winning his 3rd MVP. One thing is for certain. The Bucks are on their way to another championship run and they are being led by a man that has the heart of a champion: GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO – THE GREEK FREAK!
