In game two of the series, the 24-14 Bucks faceoff with the 14-23 Wizards after Milwaukee won 125-119 on Saturday night. The previous game was a tale of the two stars. Giannis Antetokounmpo had his second consecutive triple double with 33 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists. Not to be outdone, Russell Westbrook put up 42 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists of his own. This was arguably the best game of Westbrook’s season so far as he had to make up for the absence Bradley Beal. Can these MVPs repeat their performance of the past game?
Giannis Making a Run at MVP (again)
In case you haven’t been watching lately (or you’re a part of the national sports media), Giannis is definitely an MVP candidate again this year. While everyone keeps saying he can’t win a third time in a row, Giannis has quietly surged back into the race. His current averages are 29 points, 11.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists. His overall field goal and free throw percentages are higher than last year and the numbers just keep climbing.
If Giannis can continue this push through the rest of the year, it is going to be hard for him not to get MVP votes. With Joel Embiid out for the next few weeks, Giannis could really catch up. My top four MVP candidates so far for the season, in no particular order, are Jokic, Embiid, Giannis and Curry. Any of those players could win it this year. While voter fatigue is a real thing, Giannis easily could win if he outperforms the rest of the competition for the 2nd half of the year.
Bench Scoring is Key
With much of the starting five struggling from the floor, the Bucks bench really stepped up. Bryn Forbes, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton all scored double digits on Saturday night. The best three point shooter of the night was none other than Portis. Going 4/8 from behind the arc, including a first quarter buzzer beater. When the bench is able to input 20 or more points it greatly helps their chances of winning. Bolstering the starters when they’re hot, or stepping up when they’re not totally on their game. When both units are clicking the Bucks cannot be stopped.
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Can Milwaukee Win Four in a Row?
If the Bucks are going get a victory in this game they likely are going to have to do it against Bradley Beal this time around. I wouldn’t anticipate Westbrook scores 40+ points again when Beal is back but Milwaukee will definitely have to do a better job containing him. Considering Rui Hachimura scored 29 points as well, Milwaukee will need to do a better job on defense. On the bright side, Washington isn’t exactly a defensive team. If the Bucks can hit the shots they should make, they will have a great chance.
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