Bucks Feel Giannis Antetokounmpo Deserves MVP Over Embiid, Jokic

The Milwaukee Bucks are supporting their guy for the NBA’s MVP award. Unsurprisingly, Milwaukee’s head coach Mike Budenholzer campaigned for Giannis Antetokounmpo to win MVP following a Bucks victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night.

With the regular season winding down, it’s clear the three finalists are likely Giannis, Joel Embiid, and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. When those three were in the MVP picture last season, Jokic took home the hardware for the second-straight season.

Both Jokic and Embiid have cases to win it this year, but Budenholzer explained why his star big man should acquire his third MVP nod on Sunday.

“I think what our team has been able to do, and we still got some more work, you know, to have the best record in the league, best player, best record,” Budenholzer told reporters. “What he does in, you know, both ends of the court. The rebounding, the blocked shots, the defense, the guarding on the perimeter — he does everything — play makes, attacks, gets the free throw line. We feel like he's in the conversation, or he should be the guy.”

By winning two MVP awards already, Giannis doesn’t feel too attached to the debate these days. As he’s focused on team success and wants to make another run for the NBA title, Budenholzer, and the Bucks noticed their superstar’s priorities are centered around Milwaukee’s upcoming playoff run.

“I think he's focused on our team,” Budenholzer finished. “He's focused on winning. His mind is in a good place. And, you know, hopefully, everybody sees the MVP kind of season and performance he's had all year.”

Giannis, Embiid, and Jokic only have a handful of games to complete their campaign. While it’s widely believed that Giannis will finish third for the second season in a row, he has a strong case for himself. And the final few games for the Bucks could give voters more to think about.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.