Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t think he’s quite “there yet” when it comes to the Kia MVP chase.
With all due respect, Mr. “Greek Freak,” the basketball world begs to differ.
You are definitely there, sir, based on your performance through the midpoint of this NBA season.
In fact, if there were hardware to hand out from Kia Race to the MVP Ladder HQ at this point, Antetokounmpo would be the recipient (edging out a crowded field that includes the reigning MVP, James Harden).
By the grace of the scheduling gods, the two leading candidates just happened to hook up on Wednesday night, the official halfway point of 2018-19. And they put on a show worthy of MVP mention, with Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks knocking off Harden’s Houson Rockets at Toyota Center.
Harden continued his torrid scoring streak, collecting his league-leading 14th 40-point game of the season. In doing so, he tied Tracy McGrady for the second-longest 30-point streak since the ABA/NBA merger at 14. (Kobe Bryant has the record at 16 straight.)
But Harden didn’t have his most efficient outing (shooting 13-for-30 overall with nine turnovers) as the Bucks took control late.
All Antentokounmpo did was shred the Rockets for 27 points on eight-for-16 shooting to go along with a career-high 21 rebounds, five assists and yet another showcase performance for his MVP resume. (The Bucks pounded the Rockets to the tune of a 70-24 advantage in points in the paint and outscored them 19-2 in fast break points.)
The Bucks have won seven of their past eight games heading into tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena (7 ET, NBA League Pass). They’ve stormed the top of the Eastern Conference standings and own a 10-5 record over Western Conference opponents with Antetokounmpo as their undisputed leader and, yes, MVP.
Not there yet, huh?
Yeah, right.
(Credit: Sekou Smith, NBA.com)
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