Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 22 points, collected 13 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists, and he didn’t turn the ball over once.
More challenging than guarding Giannis Antetokounmpo is likely to be coming up with anything new he can do. On Sunday night, Antetokounmpo helped the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Toronto Raptors 118-111 because the Raptors couldn’t do the latter.
Antetokounmpo completed the game with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, giving him his fourth triple-double of the year. Just 13 players in NBA history have shot 100% from the field and recorded a triple-double; he accomplished it. He joins Nikola Jokic earlier this season as the only players to have done it nine times. Of those 13 games, Antetokounmpo has attempted the fourth-most field goals (nine) and shots (13).
Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer compared it to a perfect game
“Having a triple-double while shooting 9-for-9 from the field is amazing. This has already occurred 13 times, which surprises me a bit. That appears to be rather unusual. I wouldn’t call him a numbers nerd or a history buff, but he definitely has his own niche.”
Only a few minutes into the game, Antetokounmpo hit a rare 3-pointer from the right wing, and he never looked back. As usual, he was most effective around the basket, where he dunked and made layups after slashing past the opposition’s defense. As the Raptors packed the paint to prevent him from getting to the hoop, he consistently found the open man with the perfect pass.
Giannis Antetokounmpo presented a fascinating analysis of his decision-making process during his postgame news conference, during which he sat with the game ball in his lap to commemorate his record-setting 712th game with the team.
Just go with my gut,” Giannis Antetokounmpo said
When I have a clear path to the basket, I’ll hold onto the ball for a bit longer before passing it off to an open teammate. It’s not uncommon for me to only grip the ball for a fraction of a second before the man runs off. In the past, I knew I had to pass the ball when I saw two players. I’m not always in a hurry, you know. After being double-teamed so frequently, I’ve learned to move more slowly and carefully.
When your opponent commits to a double team, they can be fooled into thinking you’re passing the ball, giving you an opportunity to take advantage of the situation by ripping the ball baseline or over the top for a downhill volley. I’ve had occasions where they’re so invested that they ask me to pass the ball. Simply said, I extract as many as I can till I discover the most direct and optimal route.
But, once more, it’s instincts, it’s all instincts. This isn’t anything I’m doing on purpose. It’s not deliberate; I’m just reacting on instinct. If I see the pass coming, there are instances when I’m just going to make it as fast as possible in the hopes that he’ll have enough time to establish his feet and make the shot. Sometimes I’ll hold off because I know he’s bluffing and the double-team isn’t genuine.
For the time being, at least, the Greek Freak wasn’t as interested in the historical context of his performance
Having gotten back on track with a victory, Antetokounmpo was relieved. “While you’re living through it, you don’t have time to pause and take it all in. Perhaps in the distant future I will reflect, “It was amazing I was able to do that; now I am not able to sprint or leap or chase my kids,” but for the time being, I am just frustrated that I can’t do those things. Too much is happening too quickly right now for you to keep up with it. Get more news and updates on your favorite players or teams only here at onlinesportsbetting.ph.
