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Eric WoodyardESPN
The reigning NBA MVP back-to-back hit the spot on Wednesday night.
Within 31 minutes, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was almost perfect, registering a triple-double in three quarters for the fourth time in his career.
Therefore, he took on a new role as the team’s photographer.
While sitting on the sideline, Antetokounmpo took the camera from Bucks content director Nick Monroe to capture some footage of his team ending a 130-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
“I thought, it would be a good idea to take some pictures of [my brother and teammate] Thanasis and make it beautiful, “explained Antetokounmpo.” So, I was trying to have fun and be in the moment. “
Here is a look at some of the photos taken by Giannis Antetokounmpo during tonight’s burst victory against Indiana. https://t.co/9SiwRonGaH pic.twitter.com/snrQRqX5nI
– Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) February 4, 2021
However, when Antetokounmpo was in the game, he was the center of attention – mainly as an ace.
Antetokounmpo would end the night with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, hitting 7 out of 8 on the field. During the third quarter, he also overtook Quinn Buckner for fourth place on the Bucks’ all-time assist list.
“With him having the ability to kick and find snipers, that almost makes him unstoppable,” said teammate Bryn Forbes, who finished with 20 points and four of 3 points off the bench.
Antetokounmpo credits maturity for the ability to attack in different ways on any particular night. Against the Pacers, he saw no need to force the issue, as the Bucks hit 21 3-point field goal, which was the franchise’s record for the fifth time they made 20 or more 3s in a game this season.
“It’s a new thing,” said Antetokounmpo. “Probably last year and the year before and the year before, I’m going to play a game and I’m too stubborn not to be at my best every night and try to pass for guys. Three guys are protecting me and I’m still trying to get into painting. I think this is just a step forward towards that leadership. “
Here is a closer look at four moments from Monday’s contest that showed Antetokounmpo’s ability to impact the game without just attacking the painting.
First quarter (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 spotted teammate Brook Lopez for an open 3-point basket instead of forcing his way into painting against several defenders.
Third quarter (9:15 to play)
In the face of the lack of combination of former teammate Malcolm Brogdon defending him on the post, Antetokounmpo took the opportunity to acknowledge that Pacers center pivot Myles Turner, the league’s top pitcher, was coming to help. Antetokounmpo remained patient and found a cut by Lopez under the rim for an open dunk.
“I just think he is playing very, very altruistically,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. “He’s seeing things and doing the right reading, the right passes, and I just think he’s in a great place, in terms of mentality. He’s aggressive and attacking when necessary, and he’s meeting his teammates and opportunities for everyone else when needed. He’s really playing at a high level. “
Third quarter (5:13 to play)
Indiana remained in the defense zone, but Antetokounmpo made an unpredictable pass to Jrue Holiday under the edge to deflect the defense for just a fraction of a second, before cutting the basket for a quick finish with a thunderous delivered jelly.
“For him, what’s great about my eyes is that he needs to be aggressive. I think when he is aggressive, he helps us all. And not necessarily just aggressive to score the ball, but every time he gets into that painting, he’s getting someone a totally open layup or someone a totally open 3, “said Bucks guard Donte DiVincenzo. “He’s finding out; he’s finding guys in his place that they like. But also, I think he’s doing a good job mixing everything up and attacking the rim and kind of going down and not just letting the defense get to him so fast.”
Third quarter (49.5 seconds to play)
Antetokounmpo’s tenth assist came after an offensive recovery by Pat Connaughton. Once again, Antetokounmpo unbalanced the defense by jumping like he was going to try a shot, before finding Bobby Portis in the corner for an open 3. Antetokounmpo tied a season record in assists before resting for the last quarter. He scored or helped with 49 points, while the Pacers scored 63 points as a team when he was on the court, according to the ESPN Stats & Information survey.
With new teammates and a new system, this is a completely new approach for Antetokounmpo, one that is still taking some time to get used to Bucks now 13-8 overall. However, he is committed to sacrificing himself for the larger goal of advancing in the playoffs.
“Last year, I felt, and the year before, that to win, I have to be at my best,” said Antetokounmpo. “I have to get 30, 35 … 25, 20 and 10 or whatever. Be everywhere; do everything. But now, I think our team is a great 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 to go crazy every night, but I think this is being mature. Obviously, I’m still young. I’m 26, but 26 are over 25 and 24, and I kind of like it. I like it that way. I like being in a good place, playing the right game and just watching my teammates having fun But at the end of the day, always, we have to win the game I’m here to win games I’m not just here to play and everything more. “