By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Dallas Mavericks in a true spectacle, with four big NBA stars shining. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 40 points and 15 rebounds, Damian Lillard followed him, while Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic also had great games on the other side.
However, one team had to prevail, and thanks to Giannis’ another 40/10 performance of the season (most in the NBA), the Bucks defended their home court.
Antetokounmpo went into history as the youngest player in the NBA to record 16,000+ points, 7,000+ rebounds, and 3,000+ assists, surpassing Kevin Garnett. The Greek Freak did it at 28 years and 347 days of age, while the Big Ticket held the record at 29 years and 199 days.
After another stellar performance, Giannis talked about playing with Lillard and sharing the court with such stars as Doncic and Kyrie.
“I tried to play my game, not to compare myself to anybody, to be okay with myself, with the game I can play, and the way I can help my teammates. Tried to play within my strengths as much as I can. Kyrie Irving can make any shot he wants, Luka can make every stepback, and Damian shoots from the freaking logo. How can I go basket for basket with those guys? I cannot. I just gotta play my game, rebound the ball, play defense, attack as much as I can, create plays for my teammates – play within my strengths,” Antetokounmpo said.
Milwaukee improved to 9-4 with their fourth straight win, with Giannis and Dame finding their rhythm on the court.
“It’s just good balance. You got a guy as dominant as he is; you gotta let him be dominant. What I’ve tried to do is find my way of making sure I’m being aggressive so that three quarters don’t go by, and I’m stuck and not in the good rhythm, and I’m starting to find that. When he’s playing that way, I gotta make sure that I match him in a way that is positive. Not his turn, my turn. I gotta be effective while he is doing what he’s doing. He’s the horse. I wanna see him be a four-time or five-time MVP, have those types of games,” Lillard talked about playing with Antetokounmpo.