The growing consensus is that there will be a finish to the 2019-2020 NBA season. I hope that comes to fruition. With that said the Milwaukee Bucks were putting a pretty good season together and had some strong performances from their star players. I’d like to take the time to outline the top 5 best of the season (so far).
#5 Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Portland Trail Blazers
On November 21, Giannis dropped a triple double. Recording 24 points, 19 rebounds and a career high 15 assists. Triple doubles have become a norm in the NBA and in Giannis’ game. The 15 assists are what jump off the page. His previous high was 14 which is still pretty good for a near seven footer. The Bucks won the game 137-129. Giannis lands and number 5, more from him soon.
#4 Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Utah Jazz
Number 4 is all about scoring. Just a few nights after the game that landed at number 5, Giannis dropped 50 points on 54.8% shootin on the Jazz. The Jazz ranked seventh on defense this season, making his outburst that much more impressive. Giannis added 14 rebounds and 6 assists and had 0 turnovers. The Bucks won 122-118.
#3 Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Charlotte Hornets
This one isn’t really about strength of opponent as it is about toughness of an accomplishment. On March 1st Giannis became only the second player in franchise history to record a 40-20 game. He put up 41 points and 20 rebounds, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (10 times) had done it before. Giannis added 6 assists in the 93-85 win.
#2 Khris Middleton vs. Washington Wizards
The only non-Giannis game to make my top 5 individual performances, was a game Giannis was absent from. Khris Middleton picked up all the slack pouring in 51 points while knocking down an impressive 7-10 three pointers. Middleton added 10 rebounds and 6 assists while shooting 16-26 (61.5%) from the field in a 151-131 Bucks win.
#1 Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Houston Rockets
The season opener showcased the last 3 MVPs in Giannis, James Harden and Russel Westbrook. Expectations were high for the new duo and they contributed some solid statlines. Harden had 19 points, 7 rebounds and 14 assists. Westbrook had 24 points, 16 rebounds and 7 assists. Both pale in comparison to the statline Giannis put up in just 28 minutes due to his fouling out late in the game. Giannis had a triple double, contributing 30 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. He was 11-17 from the field in the Bucks 117-111 win. This performance comes in a number 1 because of the high stakes of opening the season against a team expected to contend for a title. I also believe this was a tone setting game for the whole season.
Hopefully if the season resumes we see a lot more performances like these. Go Bucks.
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