Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo was content to be himself in a game that featured three other NBA megastars

In a matchup between the NBA's biggest stars, Giannis Antetokounmpo still managed to stand out.
Jonas Panerio|
© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee BucksDallas Mavericks

Four of the biggest NBA superstars were at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Saturday night in the thrilling match-up between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Dallas Mavericks. They didn’t disappoint either, as Bucks aces Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard put up 40 and 27 points, respectively. Their Mavericks’ counterparts Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving also combined for 74 points in the game the Bucks won, 132-125.

After the game, Giannis marveled at the shot-making abilities of the players he shared the floor with on Saturday night and added that he couldn’t imagine going shot-for-shot with those guys. Rather than doing so, he’s content playing to his strengths to help his team get the victory.

Play within strengths

As the saying goes, “game recognizes game.” And for Giannis, it doesn’t make any sense to go tit-for-tat with the likes of Luka and Kyrie, both of whom are as savvy as they are flashy. So instead, he’s sticking to the things that have made him successful—his ability to drive the lane, dominate through athleticism, and hustle on defense.

“I try to be okay with myself and with the game that I can play and the way I can help my teammates and try to play within my strengths as much as I can,” Giannis said.

“Like, how can I go basket-to-basket with those guys? I cannot. I just gotta play my game, rebound the ball, play some defense, attack as much as I can, create plays for my teammate, and just play within my strengths,” Giannis added.

Aside from scoring 40, the “Greek Freak” tallied 15 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a blocked shot in 38 minutes, continuing to prove why he’s one of the best players in the league.

Talented peers

Giannis knows what he can and can’t do on the floor, and he knows that there are times when others will make plays he isn’t capable of doing, and he’s perfectly fine with that.

“The moment that you start comparing and try to play or go basket-for-basket with three, probably, arguably, one of the best shooters in the league; Kyrie can make any shot he wants, Luka can make every step he wants, Damian can shoot from the freakin’ logo,” Giannis shared.

Lillard had 27 points and 12 assists, while Kyrie put up 39 points, scoring one clutch basket after another to keep the Mavs within striking distance. Doncic nearly missed out on another triple-double with his 35 points, nine boards, and nine assists.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO