For two of the last three National Basketball Association seasons, Giannis Antetokounmpo of Athens, Greece has been the most valuable player. On the opening night of the 2021-22 NBA regular season, Antetokounmpo was the catalyst of a statement win for the Bucks in an impressive 127-104 clobbering over the Brooklyn Nets.
Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant led both teams with 32 points each. Yes, Durant had a double-double as he also had 11 rebounds, but despite his strong showing in points and boards, he was a very poor -20. Antetokounmpo meanwhile was a game-high +25, and had a double double himself with 14 rebounds.
The Nets were in striking distance of the Bucks after the first half. The score at the midway point of the game was 66-59 Milwaukee. In the second half however, the Bucks outscored the Nets 61-45 en route to the 23-point victory.
The Bucks need to be praised for their depth as well. One must realize that even though Antetokounmpo is the undisputed engine for a Milwaukee team that won the NBA Finals in six games over the Phoenix Suns a season ago, the team has been able to build a substantial amount of depth around the Greek Freak as well. Five other Bucks players reached double digits in scoring. Small forward Chris Middleton and shooting guard Pat Connaughton had 20 points each. What was most impressive about Connaughton’s 20 points is the fact that they came even though he did not start. Second-year small forward Jordan Nwora also had double digits in points coming off the bench as he had 15 points. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday had 12 points and Grayson Allen had 10 points in his Bucks debut.
Milwaukee is in a catch-me-if-you-can-mode at the moment. After their statement win over the Nets, the fact they have a significant amount of confidence will make them tough to beat.
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