The Milwaukee Bucks finished their season as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. They are set to take on the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs this weekend. Before the commencement of the playoffs, the NBA disclosed a historic accomplishment achieved by Giannis Antetokounmpo this season.
Along with being named the player of the week, the NBA touched on how Antetokounmpo has averaged at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists for the third time in his career. The man nicknamed “The Greek Freak” averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists to cap off another huge season for the nine-time all-star and two-time MVP.
With this astonishing feat, Antetokounmpo surpassed Wilt Chamberlain and Oscar Robertson for the most seasons with a 30-10-5 average. Both Chamberlain and Robertson each had two seasons with these numbers.
Not only did Antetokounmpo do this feat in three consecutive years but he has carried the Bucks into the playoffs with another MVP-like season. The main reason for the Bucks’ success has been Antetokounmpo’s health. He appeared in over 80% of the Bucks’ games this season, with the limited games he missed due to planned rest and minor injuries.
Meanwhile, Oscar Robertson posted these averages during the 1960-61 and 1961-62 seasons. Chamberlain did the same in 1963-64 and 1965-66.
There’s no doubt Giannis will get MVP votes but his numbers will be overshadowed by what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic have done. Gilgeous-Alexander has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the #1 seed and the best record in the NBA, while also leading the league in scoring. Leading Denver to another top-4 seed in the West, Jokic is also putting together what many argue is the best statistical season in NBA history, highlighted by his triple-double average.
Antetokounmpo to Carry Heavier Load as Lillard Misses First Round
This news about Damian Lillard isn’t surprising as he works back from that scary blood clot that was found in his calf in late March. Lillard’s recovery has progressed to the point where he has begun shooting drills and received clearance for limited basketball participation. Coach Doc Rivers didn’t have much to add in terms of a timeline for a return, so it’s likely safe to consider Lillard week-to-week until the team has another update on his rehab.
Given Lillard’s injury, Antetokounmpo will face increased pressure, and other Bucks players such as Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis will need to elevate their performance. The Bucks have done a pretty good job in Lillard’s absence, ending the season on an eight-game winning streak.
The emergence of Kevin Porter Jr. is a storyline to follow. His performance over the last 10 games has been notable, as he’s averaging 16 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Additionally, his 1.5 steals per game and 50.9% shooting mark are all career highs, indicating a significant uptick in his production.
If the Bucks can defeat a formidable Indiana Pacers team, then that would likely set them up with a date against the best team in the Eastern Conference the Cleveland Cavaliers, assuming they get past one of the four play-in teams that will begin play tonight. The hope would be to see where Lillard is at after a couple of weeks and go from there. it seems like a long shot that Lillard will be back but the Bucks are very optimistic about a return in the playoffs.
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