By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Defending NBA champions Milwaukee Bucks had lost six out of the last eight games of the 2021-22 Regular Season before defeating the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday evening.
“I got a joke but I am not sure if I should say it or not,” wondered Giannis Antetokounmpo coming into the postgame press conference, “When the cows go out where do they go? To the moo-vies.”
Funny or not, the Greek Freak tallied 33 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and one block over 31 minutes. Scoring six straight points and stretching the lead to 11 points down the stretch confirmed the Bucks back on the win column.
“I think just his ability to do it different ways,” described head coach Mike Budenholzer, “I think also including he’s getting to the line, he’s making free throws. His ability to kind of get to his spots in the post with a variety of moves. And then I think of him as a playmaker, as a passer. That’s what makes him special. We’re fortunate to have him.”
Antetokounmpo, 27, has registered 28.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.0 steals per contest so far this season. Five years younger, Ja Morant currently averages a career-high 24.4 points to go along with 6.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.4 blocks per game. He ended up with 33 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds with teammates Dillon Brooks and Desmond Bane unavailable in Milwaukee.
“I’ve liked him since he came into the league,” said Antetokounmpo, “Unbelievable player, plays the right way. He’s getting better each year. He’s getting his teammates involved. He’s building a great culture with Coach Taylor in Memphis. They’re a young team, a great team. The future is bright for his team and for himself, also. But, he’s been playing great. He’s one of the best point guards in the league, in my opinion.”
The Bucks improved to 28-19, a couple of games shy of the top seed of the Eastern Conference. Coming up, a back-to-back at home as the Chicago Bulls and Sacramento Kings visit Fiserv Forum Friday and Saturday, respectively.
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