The Milwaukee Bucks took down the Indiana Pacers on New Year’s Eve 120-112. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals. Everyone is talking about Nikola Jokić securing his fourth MVP award, but Antetokounmpo should be the favorite.
The Case
On the season, The Greek Freak is averaging a career high of 32.6 points per game on 61% shooting from the field. Along with this, he is posting 11.6 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.
The Bucks had one of the worst records in the NBA two weeks into the season, and Giannis being hurt is a reason for it. Without him, Milwaukee is just 3-3 on the season. When he plays, they are always tough to compete with.
Since starting 2-8 through the first ten games, Milwaukee has found themselves at the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference, and just 2.5 games out of 4th place.
Not to mention, Giannis led the Bucks to victory in the NBA Cup Championship versus the Thunder, who also are led by another MVP candidate.
The Other Guys
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who could’ve won the MVP award last season, has been phenomenal in the 2024-25 season. He has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the top seed in the West once again. SGA is averaging 31.2 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest.
Nikola Jokić has been nothing short of stellar this season. The three-time MVP is averaging an insane stat line of 30.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.7 assists. The Joker has led the Denver Nuggets to a current 4th seed in the Western Conference, but only two games separate them from the 8th seed.
Why Giannis?
Giannis is a two-time league MVP already, which means voter fatigue will be in play. If this is the case for him though, then Jokić is unlikely to win his fourth.
In all honesty, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will most likely win the MVP for the 2024-25 season. This is due to the Thunder’s dominance in the West. He’s a superstar, but it doesn’t mean he’s most deserving of the award.
Antetokounmpo is averaging more points than Jokić and Shai, along with a higher shooting percentage. Posting 32.6 points per game playing alongside Damian Lillard is quite impressive as well.
Jumping from a bottom five seed to a top five seed in the East is showing the Giannis MVP case. He is already an NBA Champion and he wants another championship in Milwaukee. If they can keep this play going, he is for sure deserving of the MVP.
