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Eric WoodyardESPN
The prevailing NBA MVP beat early Wednesday night.
In 31 minutes, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was almost picture-perfect and scored a triple-double for the fourth time in his career.
Therefore, he took on a new role as a team photographer.
While Antetokounmpo sat on the sidelines, he picked up Bucks director Nick Monroe’s camera to capture some images of his group that claimed a 130-110 victory over the visiting Indiana Pacers.
‘It was a good idea to take pictures [my brother and teammate] Thanasis and make him look good, “Antetokounmpo explained.” So I tried to have fun and be in the moment. “
Here’s a look at some of the photos Giannis Antetokounmpo took during tonight’s standout victory over Indiana. https://t.co/9SiwRonGaH pic.twitter.com/snrQRqX5nI
– Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) February 4, 2021
When Antetokounmpo was in the game, however, he was the center of attention – especially as a game creator.
Antetokounmpo would end the evening with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists as he went 7-for-8 off the field. During the third quarter, he also passed Quinn Buckner for fourth place on the Bucks list for everyday assistants.
“With the ability to kick it and find shooters, it makes him almost unstoppable,” said teammate Bryn Forbes, who finished with 20 points and four three-pointers off the bench.
Antetokounmpo recognizes maturity for the ability to attack on a specific night in different ways. Against the Pacers, he saw no need to force the case, as the Bucks tied them with 21 three-point field goals, which for the fifth time was the franchise record they made 20 or more 3s in a game this season.
“This is a new thing,” Antetokounmpo said. “Probably last year and the year before and the year before I’m going to a game and I’m just too stubborn not to be at my best every night and I’m trying to go through guys. Three guys are watching me and I’m still trying “I still think it’s just a step forward for this leadership.”
Here’s a closer look at four moments from Monday’s match that showed Antetokounmpo’s ability to influence the game without just attacking the paint.
First term (8:45 to play)
Antetokounmpo opened the game aggressively, with five points, five rebounds and three assists in the first seven minutes. In this pick-and-roll situation, he showed teammate Brook Lopez for a wide-open three-point instead of forcing him into the paint against numerous defenders.
Third quarter (9:15 to play)
Antetokounmpo, who is facing the misconduct of former team-mate Malcolm Brogdon defending him in the post, has taken his time to realize that Pacers center Myles Turner, the leading striker, is on the verge of helping. Antetokounmpo remained patient and found a cutting Lopez under the edge for an open dunk.
“I just think he plays really, very unselfishly,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “He sees things and makes the right read, the right pass, and I just think he’s in a great place, mindset. He’s aggressive and offensive when needed, and he finds his teammates and finds opportunities for everyone other than it’s necessary … he’s really playing at a high level. ‘
Third quarter (5:13 to play)
Indiana stayed in the defense, but Antetokounmpo hit a pass on the edge at Jrue Holiday to throw the defense down for a split second, before cutting to the basket for a give-and-go finish with a thundering, one jam handed.
“For him, what’s great in my eyes is that he has to stay aggressive. I think if he’s aggressive, it helps us all. And not necessarily just aggressively to score the ball, but every time he’s in the paint comes, he gets someone a wide-open imposition or someone a wide-open 3, ‘said Donte DiVincenzo, guard of Bucks. “He’s figuring it out; he finds guys in their place they like. But also, I think he does it well to mix it up and attack the edge and to get downhill and not just let the defense get on him so fast. . “
Third quarter (49.5 seconds to play)
The tenth aid for Antetokounmpo came after he took an offensive setback from a Pat Connaughton miss. Once again, Antetokounmpo threw down the defense by jumping up as if to try a shot, before finding Bobby Portis in the corner for a wide open try. Antetokounmpo made a season high for assists before resting for the final quarter. He scored or helped 49 points, while the Pacers scored 63 points as a team when he was on the field, according to ESPN Stats & Information.
With new teammates and a new system, it’s a whole new approach for Antetokounmpo, who is still getting used to the Bucks who are now 13-8. However, he is committed to sacrificing for the greater goal of advancing further in the playoffs.
“Last year I felt, and last year, that I had to be at my best to be able to win,” said Antetokounmpo. “I have to get 30, 35 … 25, 20 and 10, or whatever it is. Be everywhere; do everything. But now, I think our team is an excellent team; and this year, if my team needs me to pass the ball, I have to pass the ball. ‘
“Next year may be different,” he added. “The team may need me every night, but I think it’s mature. It’s clear I’m still young. I’m 26, but 26’s older than 25 and 24, and I like that. I like to be in a good place, play the right game and just watch my teammates have fun. But at the end of the day we always have to win the game. I’m here to play matches to win; I’m not just here to get confused. “