Last night, March 26, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Denver Nuggets in a game that could have easily been written off as a loss on paper. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a left foot sprain—and Damian Lillard already out with deep vein thrombosis—the Bucks were without their two biggest stars. Yet, against all odds, they put up a valiant fight, ultimately falling 127-117 to a Nuggets team led by Nikola Jokic’s triple-double (39 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). While the scoreboard didn’t tilt in Milwaukee’s favor, the Bucks showcased several key strengths that kept them competitive and highlighted their resilience without Giannis on the floor.
1. Balanced Scoring Effort
Without Giannis, the Bucks leaned on a collective offensive approach, and it paid off in a big way. Seven of the eight players who saw the court scored in double figures, a testament to the team’s ability to spread the wealth. The possessions chart here shows it in detail. Usually you have Giannis at the top of that chart hogging the ball for more than 1/4 of total possessions. Last night the burden was shared. In terms of scoring Brook Lopez led the charge with 26 points, marking his third straight game with 20+ points, while others like Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Kevin Porter Jr. stepped up to fill the void. This balanced attack kept Denver’s defense on its toes, unable to key in on a single scorer. Compare that to the Nuggets, where Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. (23 points) carried much of the load, and it’s clear Milwaukee’s depth was a standout factor.
2. Relentless Energy and Hustle
The Bucks didn’t let the absence of their MVP dampen their spirit. They played with a noticeable chip on their shoulder, diving for loose balls and battling in the paint against a formidable Nuggets frontcourt. While Jokic dominated the glass, Milwaukee’s effort was evident in their ability to stay within striking distance despite being outrebounded. They forced Denver into 13 turnovers, capitalizing on hustle plays to keep the game closer than expected. This scrappy energy showed a team unwilling to roll over, even shorthanded. It was particularly obvious in the high energy defence of a championship calibre team like Denvery but also on the other end.
3. Exploiting Denver’s Defensive Lapses
Denver’s defense struggled at times, and the Bucks were quick to pounce. Milwaukee shot an efficient 47.9% from the field and knocked down 14 three-pointers, exposing gaps in the Nuggets’ perimeter defense. Players like Lopez and Trent Jr. found open looks, particularly in transition, where the Bucks scored 18 fast-break points. Against a Nuggets team that had lost three of their last four games, Milwaukee’s ability to exploit defensive breakdowns kept them in the game, even as Jokic went off. No static and predictable defence like when Giannis brings down the ball. It was flowing, popping and kicking all over the place, giving the Nuggets nightmares.
4. Lopez’s Dominance in the Paint
Brook Lopez deserves a special shoutout for his performance last night. Stepping up as the primary big man without Giannis, Lopez not only scored 26 points but also held his own against Jokic in the post. His 11-of-19 shooting included several buckets inside, where he used his size and veteran savvy to counter Denver’s frontcourt. While Jokic still got his numbers, Lopez’s presence ensured the Bucks didn’t get completely overwhelmed in the paint, a critical factor against a team with Denver’s interior strength. Jokić’s bulk can make it harder for Giannis to bulldoze through him. Jokić often plants himself in the paint to force Giannis into tougher angles or contested shots. Brook has higher IQ and skills to counter. Jokić isn’t the quickest laterally, so he relies on smart positioning to cut off driving lanes. He tends to sag off Giannis slightly, daring him to shoot from mid-range or beyond the arc, where Giannis is weak under pressure. But Brook shines.
5. Bench Stepping Up Big
With the stars out, Milwaukee’s bench players rose to the occasion. Ryan Rollins, starting in place of Lillard, brought strong defensive intensity, while Kevin Porter Jr. and Taurean Prince provided scoring punch off the pine. The Bucks’ bench outscored Denver’s 42-31, a significant edge that kept the game within reach. This depth is a promising sign for Milwaukee as they navigate injuries heading into the playoffs—proof that the supporting cast can carry the load when needed.
6. Competitive Spirit in a Tough Road Environment
Playing at Ball Arena against a Nuggets team desperate to snap a skid, the Bucks never backed down. They trailed by as many as 15 but clawed back multiple times, cutting the deficit to single digits in the fourth quarter. This resilience in a hostile road environment—without their best player—speaks volumes about the team’s character. Coach Doc Rivers noted postgame that the team fought hard, and that grit was evident in their refusal to let the game turn into a blowout.
Yes, the Bucks lost 127-117, and Nikola Jokic’s brilliance was ultimately the difference-maker. But last night wasn’t about the final score—it was about what Milwaukee proved they could do without Giannis Antetokounmpo. They showcased depth, hustle, and an ability to adapt, turning a potential rout into a competitive battle. As the playoffs loom, this performance offers a silver lining: the Bucks aren’t a one- or two-man show. With Lopez leading the charge, a balanced attack, and a never-say-die attitude, Milwaukee showed they’ve got fight left in them, even on the toughest nights. Much like the championship Bucks roster, this is a low key superteam.
Last night’s showing was a reminder that this team has more than just star power up its sleeve.
As of March 26, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks find themselves at a pivotal moment in their season. The devastating news of Damian Lillard’s season-ending injury has sent shockwaves through the organisation and its fan base. Lillard, the seven-time All-Star and dynamic point guard acquired to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo, was a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s championship aspirations. With his absence confirmed for the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season and postseason, the Bucks must now pivot, relying on their roster depth and strategic adjustments to remain competitive in a stacked Eastern Conference.
The Impact of Lillard’s Absence
Through March 2025, Lillard has been a vital offensive engine, averaging around 25 points and 7 assists per game (based on his historical performance and current season trends). His ability to create his own shot, stretch defences with deep three-point shooting, and facilitate for teammates like Antetokounmpo made him indispensable. Without him, the Bucks lose not only a primary scorer but also a playmaker who alleviates pressure from Giannis, who often faces double- and triple-teams.
The Bucks’ current record, hovering around 40-30 (extrapolated from mid-season updates), places them in the middle of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. With roughly 12 games left in the regular season, Milwaukee must maximise their remaining roster to secure a playoff spot and make a postseason run.
Option 1: Elevating Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Primary Ball-Handler
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and perennial All-NBA talent, becomes the unquestioned focal point without Lillard. Shifting him into a point-forward role could unlock new dimensions for the Bucks’ offence.
Lineup Adjustment: Giannis at the “1,” with AJ Green or Gary Trent Jr. at shooting guard, Taurean Prince at small forward, Kyle Kuzma at power forward, and Brook Lopez at center.
Pros: Giannis handling the ball maximises his ability to attack downhill, collapse defences, and kick out to shooters. Green and Trent Jr. provide spacing with their three-point shooting (both above 38% this season), while Kuzma adds secondary scoring. Lopez remains a rim-protecting anchor who can also step out for occasional threes.
Cons: Giannis isn’t a natural point guard. His ball-handling can be turnover-prone against aggressive defenses, and his lack of a consistent outside shot limits spacing when he’s the primary initiator. Fatigue could also become an issue as he takes on an even larger load.
This option leans heavily on Giannis’ but it requires the supporting cast to step up defensively and offensively to compensate for Lillard’s absence.
Option 2: Committee Approach at Point Guard
Without a true backup point guard behind Lillard, the Bucks could turn to a by-committee approach, utilizing Kevin Porter Jr., and Ryan Rollins to share ball-handling duties. Porter Jr., acquired at the trade deadline, brings scoring flair. Rollins, on a two-way contract, is a wild card with limited NBA experience.
Lineup Adjustment: Porter Jr. at point guard, Gary Trent Jr. at shooting guard, Kuzma at small forward, Antetokounmpo at power forward, and Lopez at center.
Pros: Porter Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance this season, averaging around 15 points off the bench since joining Milwaukee. His ability to create shots could partially fill Lillard’s scoring void. This approach keeps Giannis in his natural forward role, preserving his energy for scoring and rebounding.
Cons: Porter Jr. cannot replicate Lillard’s elite playmaking or shooting (Porter’s three-point percentage hovers around 35%,). Rollins is unproven and unlikely to handle significant minutes in a playoff setting. The offense could stagnate without a true floor general.
This strategy spreads the burden but risks inconsistency, especially against top-tier opponents.
Option 3: Small-Ball Versatility with Kuzma and Prince
The trade deadline acquisition of Kyle Kuzma gives the Bucks a versatile forward who can score in bunches (despite his efficiency struggles this season at 42% from the field). Pairing him with Taurean Prince in a small-ball lineup could prioritize speed, shooting, and defensive flexibility.
Lineup Adjustment: Trent Jr. at shooting guard, Prince at small forward, Kuzma at power forward, and Antetokounmpo at “center.”
Pros: This lineup maximizes perimeter threats—Prince and Trent Jr. are knockdown shooters (both over 40% from three in limited roles), while Kuzma can attack mismatches. Giannis at center. Defensively, this unit can switch everything, disrupting opponents’ rhythm.
Cons: Rebounding suffers without Lopez, and Giannis will get worn down guarding traditional centres in a playoff series. Kuzma’s cold shooting (28% from three this year) could clog the offence if he doesn’t heat up.
Small-ball offers a high-risk, high-reward approach, ideal for short bursts or specific matchups but potentially unsustainable over a full game or series.
Key Contributors Off the Bench
The Bucks’ bench will be crucial in filling the void. Here’s who needs to step up:
Bobby Portis: Currently suspended (as of mid-March reports), Portis returns in early April. His energy, scoring (around 14 points per game), and rebounding off the bench are vital. He could even slide into the starting lineup if Lopez struggles.
Pat Connaughton: Sidelined with a calf injury, his return adds a reliable three-point shooter (37% career) and hustle player.
AJ Green: The young guard has emerged as a sharpshooter (over 40% from three), offering spacing critical to any offence.
Andre Jackson Jr.: His athleticism and defense could earn him more minutes, though his offense remains raw.
Strategic Adjustments Under Doc Rivers
Coach Doc Rivers must adapt his system without Lillard. Expect these shifts:
Increased Pace: Milwaukee ranks middle-of-the-pack in pace this season. Pushing the tempo with Giannis leading fast breaks could exploit transition opportunities.
Simplified Offense: More pick-and-rolls with Giannis as the screener or ball-handler, paired with shooters spotting up, could keep the offense flowing.
Defensive Focus: Without Lillard’s offensive firepower, the Bucks must lock in defensively. Lopez and Jackson Jr. anchor the paint, while Trent Jr..
Playoff Outlook
A first-round upset isn’t out of the question, but a deep run seems improbable without Lillard’s clutch scoring. Giannis has nothing in clutch but insists on being a liability by being on the floor.
Looking Ahead
Lillard’s injury, while a blow to 2025, isn’t the end of Milwaukee’s contention window. He’s under contract through 2026-27 (with a player option), and at 34, he could return refreshed next season. The Bucks’ lack of draft picks (traded away in the Lillard deal) limits their ability to retool, but Giannis’ presence ensures they remain in the mix.
For now, the Bucks must rally around their Greek Freak, lean on their depth, and hope their role players rise to the occasion. It’s not the season they envisioned, but it’s far from over. Milwaukee’s resilience will define their 2025 story.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Not a Viable Option as the Primary Ball-Handler for the Bucks
Giannis is ill-suited to serve as the primary ball-handler and the specific issues his ball-handling creates.
Lack of Elite Ball-Handling Skills
Giannis, at 6’11” and 243 pounds, is a physical marvel, but his ball-handling doesn’t match the finesse of traditional point guards—or even modern combo guards like Lillard. His dribbling is functional for a big man but lacks the tightness and creativity needed to consistently break down perimeter defenders. Defenses often exploit this by pressuring him full-court or sending aggressive double-teams, knowing he’s prone to losing control under duress.
Evidence: This season, Giannis averages around 3.2 turnovers per game (consistent with his career trends), with many stemming from sloppy dribbling or telegraphed moves. Against quicker guards like Jalen Brunson or Donovan Mitchell, his handle becomes a liability, leading to strips or forced passes.
Problem: As the primary ball-handler, he’d face this pressure constantly, increasing turnovers and disrupting offensive flow. The Bucks’ half-court execution would suffer as opponents clog driving lanes and dare him to create under pressure.
Limited Outside Shooting Threat
Giannis’ lack of a reliable jump shot is perhaps the most glaring issue when he’s handling the ball. While he’s improved marginally from beyond the arc (around 29% this season on low volume), he remains a non-threat from three-point range. Defenses sag off him, clogging the paint and neutralizing his driving ability—the cornerstone of his offensive game.
Evidence: Teams like the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors have historically used “wall” defenses, packing the paint and inviting Giannis to shoot. In 2024-25, opponents continue this strategy, with his three-point attempts often resulting in bricks or hesitations that stall the offense.
Problem: As the primary initiator, Giannis can’t stretch the floor like Lillard, who commands respect from 30 feet out. This compresses spacing, making it harder for teammates like Gary Trent Jr. or AJ Green to get open looks. The Bucks’ offense becomes predictable and easier to scheme against, especially in playoff settings where adjustments are razor-sharp.
Decision-Making Under Pressure
While Giannis has grown in age, his decision-making lags behind elite point guards. He excels at kicking out to shooters after drawing help or finding cutters in transition, but in the half-court, his reads can be slow or overly simplistic. He often forces drives into crowded lanes rather than manipulating defences with patience or misdirection.
Evidence: In clutch situations this season, Giannis has occasionally deferred to Lillard or Brook Lopez for creation, highlighting his discomfort running intricate sets. His assist-to-turnover ratio (roughly 2:1) pales in comparison to Lillard’s (closer to 3:1), reflecting less precision as a distributor.
Problem: As the primary ball-handler, Giannis would bear the brunt of late-game execution, where his tendency to barrel into traffic or settle for contested mid-range shots could cost the Bucks winnable games. Opponents would blitz him, trusting he’ll either turn it over or take a low-percentage shot.
Defensive Exploitation and Fatigue
Sliding him to point guard increases his offensive workload, forcing him to bring the ball up, fight through screens, and orchestrate every possession. This added responsibility could sap his energy, diminishing his two-way impact.
Evidence: In games where Giannis logs heavy minutes (38+), his fourth-quarter efficiency dips—field goal percentage drops from 58% to around 52%, per recent trends. Against teams like the Celtics, who employ relentless guard play from Jrue Holiday and Derrick White, he’d be tested relentlessly.
Problem: Fatigue would compromise his defensive tenacity, leaving the Bucks vulnerable to backcourt scoring. Offensively, a tired Giannis is less explosive, reducing his ability to finish over length or recover from early-game wear. The Bucks can’t afford a diminished Giannis on either end.
Disruption of Team Chemistry and Roles
Shooters like Trent Jr. and Green rely on Giannis drawing attention in the paint, not standing at the top of the key. Bigs like Lopez and Bobby Portis lose post-up opportunities if Giannis clogs the lane with dribble drives.
Evidence: In past experiments (e.g., 2020-21 playoffs sans injured guards), Giannis-as-point-guard lineups saw a drop in team three-point percentage as spacing evaporated. Role players hesitated, unsure of their spots in a Giannis-centric offense.
Problem: Teammates become spectators rather than active participants, reducing the Bucks’ versatility. Kyle Kuzma, for instance, thrives as a secondary creator, not a spot-up shooter waiting for Giannis to kick out. The offense devolves into “your turn, my turn” rather than a cohesive unit.
Playoff Magnification of Flaws
In the postseason, every weakness is magnified. Giannis’ ball-handling struggles would be a prime target for elite coaches like Erik Spoelstra or Nick Nurse. Teams would trap him at half-court, force him to pass into tight windows, and live with his jumpers. His 66% free-throw shooting this season (career norm) also invites late-game fouling, a strategy less effective against Lillard’s 90% clip.
Evidence: The 2021 Finals saw Giannis dominate as a finisher and secondary creator, not a point guard. When he’s overextended as the lead initiator (e.g., 2023 vs. Miami), the Bucks falter, losing rhythm and composure.
Problem: A Giannis-led offense lacks the sophistication to counter playoff adjustments. Without Lillard’s pull-up threat or pick-and-roll mastery, Milwaukee risks early exits against battle-tested foes.
Conclusion
Giannis as the primary ball-handler is a recipe for dysfunction. His shaky handle, non-existent outside shot, and questionable decision-making under pressure create turnovers, spacing issues, and defensive vulnerabilities. The physical toll would erode his two-way dominance, while teammates would struggle to adapt to a Giannis-centric system. For the Bucks to survive Lillard’s absence, they’re better off leaning on a committee of guards (Porter Jr.for small-ball creativity—anything but forcing their Greek Freak into a role he’s not built to play.
Giannis is a hammer, not a scalpel, and Milwaukee must wield him accordingly.
On March 25, 2025, the Milwaukee Bucks announced that their star point guard, Damian Lillard, has been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. This serious medical condition, characterised by the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, has sidelined the nine-time All-Star indefinitely, casting uncertainty over his 2025 season, his long-term career, and the Bucks’ trajectory as a championship contender. As the NBA playoffs loom just weeks away, this development raises critical questions about Lillard’s health, his future on the court, and how the Bucks will adapt without one of their cornerstone players.
What is Deep Vein Thrombosis?
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, most commonly in the legs or calves. While it can sometimes present with minimal symptoms—like soreness or swelling—it carries significant risks if untreated. If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the lungs, causing a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism. In Lillard’s case, the Bucks acted swiftly, identifying the condition and placing him on blood-thinning medication to stabilize the clot. Regular testing will monitor his progress, but no definitive timeline for his return has been provided, leaving his season in jeopardy.
For an elite athlete like Lillard, who relies on explosive movement, agility, and endurance, DVT introduces both immediate and long-term challenges. The Bucks have emphasized that his health is the top priority, a sentiment Lillard echoed in a statement: “As much as I love basketball, I need to be there for my kids and my family.” While there’s optimism about his recovery, the road ahead is uncertain.
Impact on the 2025 Season
Lillard’s diagnosis comes at a pivotal moment. With only 11 games left in the regular season as of March 26, 2025, the Bucks sit at 40-31, holding the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. Lillard has been a driving force this year, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while earning his ninth All-Star nod. His partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo has produced the NBA’s highest-scoring duo, averaging 55.1 points combined. Without him, the Bucks’ offense takes a significant hit—scoring drops from 115.7 points per game with Lillard to 108.5 without him, per team stats.
The playoffs begin on April 19, less than a month away. For Lillard to return by then, his recovery would need to be remarkably swift and complication-free, a tall order given the nature of DVT. Treatment typically involves blood thinners for weeks or months, and medical clearance for high-intensity activity requires strict criteria to ensure the clot has dissolved and the risk of recurrence is minimal. Even if he beats the odds and returns for the postseason, he may not be at full strength, potentially limiting his minutes or effectiveness.
In his absence, the Bucks will lean on younger guards like Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr., who bring defensive tenacity but lack Lillard’s offensive creativity and clutch scoring. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a one-man wrecking crew, but without Lillard’s playmaking, opposing defenses can focus on clogging the paint, forcing Milwaukee to rely on less dynamic options. The team’s 8-5 record in the 13 games Lillard has missed this season offers some hope, but the postseason is a different beast. Last year’s first-round exit—when Antetokounmpo missed the entire series with a calf injury—underscores how vulnerable the Bucks are without one of their superstars.
Long-Term Career Implications
At 34 years old and in his 13th NBA season, Lillard is at a career crossroads. He’s no longer the perennial All-NBA talent he was during his Portland Trail Blazers prime, but he remains a top-tier guard capable of leading a contender. However, DVT introduces new variables. While the Bucks and medical experts are optimistic that this is an isolated incident unlikely to recur, the condition has ended careers before—most notably Chris Bosh’s in 2016 after recurrent blood clots. Other players, like Brandon Ingram and Victor Wembanyama (who was ruled out for the season in February 2025 with DVT in his shoulder), have faced similar diagnoses with varying outcomes.
If Lillard’s treatment progresses smoothly, he could return to form by next season, leveraging advancements in medical care that have improved recovery prospects since Bosh’s era. However, any recurrence or complications—like the need for lifelong blood thinners—could force him to reconsider contact sports. Even a single prolonged absence might accelerate the natural decline that comes with age, especially for a player whose game relies on quickness and precision.
Lillard’s resilience and work ethic suggest he’ll fight to reclaim his elite status, but the physical toll of DVT, combined with the mental weight of a serious health scare, could subtly alter his trajectory. His statement about prioritizing family hints at a broader perspective that might influence future decisions about his career’s length and intensity.
The Bucks’ Future in Flux
The Bucks’ acquisition of Lillard in 2023 was a bold gamble to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo’s championship window, trading away Jrue Holiday and betting on Lillard’s offensive firepower. Two seasons in, the results have been mixed—an In-Season Tournament title but no deep playoff run. Now, with Lillard sidelined and Antetokounmpo carrying the load, the team faces a precarious future.
If Lillard misses the playoffs or returns diminished, the Bucks’ title hopes for 2025 could evaporate, especially in a loaded Eastern Conference led by the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. A second straight early exit might prompt soul-searching in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo, still in his prime at 30, remains the franchise’s bedrock, but the supporting cast—minus Khris Middleton, traded at the deadline—lacks the star power to compensate for Lillard’s absence long-term.
The front office, led by GM Jon Horst, will need to weigh whether this iteration of the roster can still contend or if a retooling is necessary. Lillard’s contract runs through 2026-27 (with a player option), tying up significant cap space. If his health remains a question mark, the Bucks could face a difficult choice: double down on the current core or pivot to a younger, healthier supporting cast around Giannis.
A Path Forward
For now, the focus is on Lillard’s recovery. The Bucks’ proactive approach—consulting top hematologists and starting treatment quickly—bodes well for his prognosis. Fans and analysts alike are hopeful he can defy the odds and return this season, even if only for a limited playoff role. His legacy as one of the game’s greats is secure, but the chance to add a championship with Milwaukee hangs in the balance.
As for the Bucks, adaptability will be key. Coach Doc Rivers must reimagine the offense, leaning into Antetokounmpo’s dominance and the defensive identity that players like Rollins and Porter can reinforce. The team’s depth will be tested, but their championship pedigree offers a glimmer of resilience.
Damian Lillard’s DVT diagnosis is a stark reminder of the fragility of even the most elite athletes. His season may be in jeopardy, his career at a turning point, and the Bucks’ future uncertain—but if anyone can navigate this challenge, it’s Dame Time. The basketball world waits, hoping for a comeback worthy of his storied career.
Lillard’s absence places an even greater burden on Giannis as the Bucks’ primary superstar. The team has built its championship aspirations around the Lillard-Antetokounmpo duo since acquiring Lillard in a blockbuster trade in 2023. With Lillard out, Giannis will need to shoulder more of the offensive and leadership load, especially as the playoffs approach. If the Bucks struggle without Lillard—particularly if they falter in the postseason again, as they did last year when Giannis was injured—this could amplify existing narratives about Milwaukee’s inability to maximize Giannis’s prime. Teams eyeing Giannis might see this as an opportunity to speculate on his frustration, given his past comments about needing a championship-contending environment to stay long-term.
However, Giannis’s trade market isn’t likely to shift dramatically in the short term. His contract runs through the 2024-25 season, with a player option for 2025-26, giving Milwaukee some runway before he could hit free agency. The Bucks’ acquisition of Lillard was a clear signal of their commitment to Giannis, and despite this setback, they’re not in a position to dismantle that plan yet. Lillard’s prognosis offers cautious optimism—he’s on blood thinners, and there’s hope he could return this season, though no firm timeline exists. If he does return for the playoffs, it could stabilise the Bucks’ outlook and quiet any trade chatter around Giannis.
That said, Lillard’s injury could indirectly lower Giannis’s trade value by highlighting Milwaukee’s vulnerabilities. Rival teams might perceive the Bucks as a less stable destination, especially after two straight first-round playoff exits (one due to Giannis’s injury last year). If Lillard’s recovery stretches into next season or beyond—medical experts have suggested a potential three-month timeline, which could rule him out for the postseason—opposing GMs might question whether Giannis can carry a depleted roster deep into the playoffs alone.
What I think will happen: nothing changes. Bucks have no chance in the playoffs with or without Dame. Now they have a convenient excuse. Giannis plays hero ball, statpads like crazy, nobody blames him for early exit. Dame’s injury gives him a great excuse to stay in Milwaukee citing team loyalty in this tough time for them. He was never leaving anyway.
Fourth quarter starts. Bucks down 78 – 83. Giannis sitting on the bench. Team plays terrifically without him and gets 2 points ahead. Ball flowing, defence clicking. Giannis comes into the game. Suns go on an 8-0 run. The rest is history.
Giannis is not clutch. He is the exact opposite of clutch. Look at his game shot chart. ZERO mid range, as I have explained many times, he has no mid range when it matters, only against easy teams with no pressure.
The Suns have struggled defensively this season, ranking 20th in the league, allowing 114.8 points per game. This was an opportunity for Giannis to exploit their weaknesses, especially with Bradley Beal out due to a hamstring injury. Yet, he failed to impose his will, a stark contrast to his usual relentless aggression. When Milwaukee needed their best player to take over, Giannis couldn’t break through Phoenix’s scheme, leaving the Bucks scrambling for answers late in the game. Giannis has no “bag”, hell he doesn’t even have a fanny pack.
Look at that box score. Not just the terrible free throw percentage. Non existent in offensive rebounds, he just got the easy stat padding defensive ones. The game’s defining moment came with 2.4 seconds left, when Devin Booker sank the game-winner over Milwaukee’s defense. As Booker caught the ball, the lane opened up, and he glided into his preferred mid-range spot for an uncontested look. Giannis, widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier defenders, was notably absent from this play. Posts on social media highlighted the sentiment: “As soon as Booker caught the ball, the lane was wide open, and I knew that was game.” Where was Giannis? As the Bucks’ defensive anchor, his presence should have deterred Booker or forced a tougher shot. Instead, his positioning—or lack thereof—allowed Phoenix’s star to operate freely. We have explained his many issues in defence, lateral lack of speed an obvious one related to last night.
Giannis gets no talk in being one of the dirtiest superstars we have ever seen because he puts a nice guy gimmick on, its actually disgusting pic.twitter.com/mHiVj54wc5
Giannis himself acknowledged this in post-game comments, saying, “I feel like Devin Booker was able to get to his spot and get a wide-open look.” This admission underscores a critical failure: the Bucks’ best player didn’t step up to contest the shot that sealed their fate. With Lillard out and the team relying on Giannis to lead, his inability to disrupt the final possession was a glaring misstep.
Missed Opportunities Down the Stretch
Beyond the last play, Giannis’ overall decision-making in crunch time was questionable. The Bucks trailed by slim margins throughout the fourth quarter, and while they mounted a comeback from a 14-point deficit earlier in the game (per prior trends against teams like the Kings), they couldn’t close the deal against Phoenix. Giannis, known for his ability to attack the rim and draw fouls, didn’t generate the same pressure he’s capable of. The Suns’ recent defensive improvement—allowing just 107 points per game over their last five—shouldn’t have been enough to neutralise him entirely, especially given Milwaukee’s need for a go-to scorer without Lillard or the suspended Bobby Portis Jr.
The Bigger Picture: Leadership Under Scrutiny
This loss amplifies broader concerns about Giannis’ role as the Bucks’ leader. At 40-31 after the game, Milwaukee sits fifth in the Eastern Conference, far from the championship contender status they’ve held in recent years. Without Lillard’s playmaking, the offence runs through Giannis, yet he couldn’t elevate his teammates—Gary Trent Jr., Brook Lopez, and others—against a Suns team riding a hot streak. Social media chatter even speculated about his future, with one user suggesting, “Giannis is so outta there, barring an incredible return in a Dame Lillard trade.” While that’s hyperbolic, it reflects the frustration with his inconsistent impact in big games like this one.
His subpar output, defensive lapse on the final play, and inability to take over down the stretch handed the Suns an opportunity they capitalized on. For a team fighting to solidify its playoff position, this was a game Giannis needed to win—and he didn’t. Until he consistently delivers in these moments, questions about his ability to carry the Bucks will persist. Last night, the Greek Freak faltered, and Milwaukee paid the price.
Despite his on-court brilliance, Giannis is a terrible team leader. His shortcomings in this area have held the Milwaukee Bucks back from consistent greatness and cast doubt on his ability to elevate those around him. One to five, here are my points:
1. Over-Reliance on Individual Heroics
Giannis’s game is built on his ability to take over. Whether it’s bulldozing through defenders for a dunk or swatting shots into the stands, he thrives as a one-man wrecking crew. That’s fantastic when it works—like in the 2021 Finals, where he dropped 50 points in Game 6 to clinch the title. But leadership isn’t about solo performances; it’s about making your teammates better. Too often, Giannis leans on his own brilliance instead of fostering a cohesive team dynamic.
Take the 2022-23 season, for example. The Bucks, despite having the league’s best regular-season record, flamed out in the first round against the Miami Heat. Giannis missed two games with a back injury, and without him, the team looked lost. A true leader builds a squad that can function—even excel—when they’re sidelined. Compare this to someone like LeBron James, who has consistently elevated role players into key contributors, or Chris Paul, whose teams always seem to hum with precision. Giannis’s Bucks, by contrast, collapse without his physical presence, exposing a lack of trust or preparation in his supporting cast.
2. Emotional Volatility Undermines Stability
Leadership requires composure, especially in high-pressure situations. Giannis, however, has a tendency to let his emotions get the better of him. His sideline outbursts—yelling at coaches, slamming water bottles, or glaring at teammates—might fire him up, but they don’t inspire confidence in the locker room. During the 2023 playoffs, footage surfaced of Giannis snapping at teammates during a timeout against Miami. While passion is admirable, uncontrolled frustration signals a lack of poise that teammates can’t rally behind.
Contrast this with someone like Tim Duncan, whose quiet intensity steadied the Spurs for two decades, or even Steph Curry, who keeps Golden State grounded with a calm demeanor. Giannis’s emotional swings create a rollercoaster atmosphere, leaving the Bucks vulnerable when discipline and unity are most needed. A leader sets the tone; Giannis’s tone too often feels like chaos.
3. Failure to Elevate Teammates
A hallmark of great leaders is their ability to unlock hidden potential in others. Think of how Steve Nash turned the Phoenix Suns into a fast-paced juggernaut or how Nikola Jokić makes every Denver Nuggets player look like a star. Giannis, for all his dominance, hasn’t shown this knack. Players like Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton have thrived alongside him, but their success feels more like a product of their own talent than Giannis’s influence. Role players like Pat Connaughton or Grayson Allen rarely take noticeable leaps under his stewardship.
Look at Jrue Holiday, a key piece of the 2021 championship run. Holiday’s brilliance as a two-way guard was already established before joining Milwaukee—he didn’t need Giannis to shine. Meanwhile, younger players like Donte DiVincenzo or Jordan Nwora stagnated in Milwaukee, only finding their stride after leaving. A true leader mentors and develops talent; Giannis seems content to let his teammates figure it out while he barrels toward the rim.
4. Questionable Decision-Making in Clutch Moments
The Bucks’ postseason struggles often boil down to Giannis’s choices—or lack thereof—when it matters most. His free-throw struggles (career 70% shooter, often worse in playoffs) are well-documented, but it’s his reluctance to adapt that’s more damning. Opponents like the Heat and Raptors have famously built “walls” in the paint, daring him to shoot from outside. Instead of trusting shooters like Middleton or Lopez, Giannis repeatedly forces drives into traffic, resulting in turnovers or missed shots.
In Game 7 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Semifinals against Boston, Giannis went 10-for-26 from the field, including 1-for-4 from three, as the Bucks lost by 28. A leader recognizes when the game plan isn’t working and adjusts—whether that’s deferring to a hot hand or demanding better execution. Giannis’s tunnel vision in these moments reflects a stubbornness that drags the team down.
5. The “No Failure” Debacle
Perhaps the most telling moment of Giannis’s leadership deficiency came after the 2023 playoff loss to Miami. In a post-game press conference, he famously bristled at a question about whether the season was a failure, saying, “There’s no failure in sports… You don’t go to work every day hoping you have a bad day.” It was a viral soundbite, lauded by some as philosophical wisdom. But peel back the layers, and it’s a dodge—a refusal to own the team’s shortcomings.
Great leaders take accountability. When the Heat upset the top-seeded Bucks, Giannis could’ve said, “I need to be better for this team,” or “We let ourselves down.” Instead, he deflected, essentially absolving himself and the squad of responsibility. That’s not leadership; it’s self-preservation. Michael Jordan never shied away from calling out his own failures—or his teammates’—and it fueled championship runs. Giannis’s rosy outlook might keep him sane, but it doesn’t push a team to grow.
Conclusion: Talent Isn’t Leadership
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a generational talent, a player who can carry a franchise to a title through sheer force of will. But leadership is a different beast—one that requires vision, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire beyond your own stat line. Giannis’s Bucks have one ring, yes, but their inconsistency—early playoff exits in 2020, 2022, 2023, and a shaky 2024-25 season so far—suggests a ceiling. Until he learns to lead as effectively as he dominates, Milwaukee will remain a team tethered to his individual brilliance rather than a dynasty built on collective strength.
The Greek Freak use to be a king on the court, but as a team leader? He’s got a long way to go.
Here’s a possible version of what Doc Rivers might have said to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard during their recent private meeting following the Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to the Golden State Warriors on March 18, 2025. This is my creative interpretation based on the context of the Bucks’ struggles, their offensive woes, and the reported nature of the meeting.Just to be clear I have absolutely no inside knowledge or first hand information about the meeting.
“Alright, fellas, thanks for sitting down with me. Look, we’re not playing like the team I know we can be. I’m not here to point fingers; I’m here to figure this out with you two, because you’re the heart of this squad. I know I will be fired if we don’t do well in the playoffs, it’s the nature of the league. But let’s at least agree how we will go about it. We have said a lot of things over this time together and we have half assed tried a few things.
Dame you probably feel the same, everyone has been blaming you from the day you came to the Bucks, no surprise. So how do you want to play it? The rest of the season means nothing. I suggest you take some time off and make sure you have no injuries bothering you. I mean nothing at all, not even a little finger twist. First round is probably the Pacers, if you are both playing top of your game we got them.
Giannis, you’re playing at an MVP level, no question—30 points, 12 boards, 6 assists a night. Dame, you’re giving us 25 and 7, shooting lights-out when you get your looks. But something’s off, and it’s not just on you, it’s on all of us, me included. Our offence is stalling out late in games. The ball’s not moving, the spacing’s a mess, and we’re not attacking the way we should. I’ve seen it, you’ve seen it, we talk about it in the tape room all the time and we’ve got to fix it. Giannis I have been sugar coating it too long for you, I will just keep you out in clutch. Your free throws are a liability and you just kill ball flow. Either get in line and play as the team wants to play or sit on the bench in the fourth quarter. I mean it. I have nothing to lose anymore, don’t care what anybody says. If you want me fired do it now, but this is what will happen if you don’t. Sure I will get you in the game if I can, depends on the match ups. But when you are looking lost or they are shutting you down I won’t put up with your 4th quarter shit anymore. Not in the playoffs. If it bruises your ego not to be on the court in the final minutes I no longer care.
Giannis, when you’re driving downhill or setting screens, are you getting the support you need? No, you are not. Why? Because you are not looking, you are not getting everybody involved. Dame, when you’re running the show, are we putting you in spots to close games out? We’ve got two of the best in the world right here, and I need us to be on the same page. Tell me who you want where now. I will get rid of anyone you don’t like and tell them to do whatever you think they need to do, but tell me now clearly. Not in the huddle. If we get to the second round things will be tougher. Maybe Brunson will be injured or something. We make it to the Conference Finals and make it look like we were legit out there and our jobs are safe. Otherwise me and Dame are getting fired and Giannis I guess you will have to look around the league for your future.
Tell me what’s working, what’s not, and how we get this thing rolling again. Screw the regular season. Doesn’t matter if we drop a few spots, no difference now. If you need time off, take time off, I will cover you with excuses. If you want to try some other roster combination we try it now, I don’t care, got nothing to lose at this point. I’m sorry I didn’t do this earlier but I didn’t want to lay the pressure on you two.
End of the day though it is what it is. And it’s looking dangerously close to total shit show if you two don’t start winning games. Yes you two. Not talking about the other kids on the team. You are it.
So if you disagree tell me now. I can quit. No shame in that for me. I prefer it to going into the playoffs again with everyone saying it’s my fault with a team that doesn’t even do what I ask it to. I don’t want to be some bitter old man who has signed an NDA and can’t even tell the media how none of you did anything I asked you to. Giannis I love you man but no more bullshit with you grabbing the boards and drawing up plays. You want that, I walk. No hard feelings and I swear I will be rooting for you guys to win. But I truly believe that if we have one chance in hell to get to the Conference Finals and not all look like fools this season is if you do exactly what I say, when I say it, exactly as I draw it out.
The Bucks are at a crossroads. The team’s championship window is closing faster than anyone wants to admit, and trading Giannis—however unthinkable it once seemed—could be the smartest move Milwaukee makes this decade. Here’s why the Bucks should act now.
1. The Championship Core Is Aging and Declining
The Bucks’ 2021 title run relied heavily on Giannis, Brook, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday. Fast forward to 2025, and the supporting cast around Giannis isn’t what it used to be. Middleton and Jrue are gone. The Bucks gambled on Lillard to extend their contention window, but his fit alongside Giannis has been clunky at times, with overlapping skill sets and a lack of perimeter creation beyond Dame’s pull-up game. I have already written why a championship run for the Bucks is no longer on the cards in details here.
Giannis, at 30 can’t carry the roster. He probably never did, more of a regular season try hard than a playoff player. In more than a decade he has one and only deep playoff run which was probably an extremely lucky fluke. The Bucks’ supporting players—like Brook Lopez (37) and Pat Connaughton (32)—are past their peak, and the team lacks the young, athletic talent needed to keep up with the league’s rising powers like Boston, Denver, or Oklahoma City. Trading Giannis now, while his value is sky-high, could net a haul of young players and picks to rebuild around.
2. The Eastern Conference Is a Gauntlet
The East is stacked. The Boston Celtics remain a juggernaut with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown hitting their primes. The Cleveland Cavaliers are deep and versatile, and teams like the Knicks and Pacers are trending upward. Everyone is making moves and changing things up because, well, they don’t have Giannis who is rather difficult to play around. The Bucks have slipped from their perch atop the conference. Their 2024-25 season has been marred by inconsistent play and a first-round playoff exit last year still stings. Trading Giannis will allow the Bucks to retool and avoid years of first-round exits or play-in mediocrity.
3. Giannis’ Trade Value has been falling this year
Giannis’ contract runs through 2027-28 (with a player option in the final year), giving any acquiring team several years of control. Right now, he’s the kind of asset that could fetch a decent price —think multiple All-Star-level players, a slew of first-round picks, and salary filler. Imagine a package from a team like the Miami Heat (Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and picks). But his value is falling fast. Of course I don’t think the Warriors want him and most superstars wouldn’t want to be on a team with Giannis. It also seems as if Giannis is uncoachable.
The Lillard trade gutted Milwaukee’s draft capital and young talent pool. Giannis demanded it but hadn’t really thought it through. They owe picks to Portland and have few prospects to build around. Without fresh blood, the Bucks risk becoming the post-LeBron Cavaliers, teams that clung to past glory too long without making changes. Trading Giannis could replenish their war chest, giving them the flexibility to pivot toward a new era rather than doubling down on a roster that’s running on fumes.
A rebuild doesn’t have to mean tanking. With the right trade, Milwaukee could land a young star (like a Chet Holmgren from OKC or an Anthony Edwards from Minnesota, if the stars align) and build a competitive team for the next decade. If only they had traded him right after winning the championship, they could be in the position of OKC!
5. Giannis Might Want Out Soon Anyway
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Giannis’ patience could be wearing thin. He’s been vocal about wanting to win, and after the Bucks’ recent struggles, rumours have swirled about his long-term commitment. In 2023, he hinted at leaving if Milwaukee couldn’t contend, saying, “If I don’t feel like we’re moving forward, I’m not the type of guy who’s going to stick around.” If Giannis demands a trade in 2026 or walks as a free agent in 2028, the Bucks could get far less—or nothing at all. I have written that no save can save the Bucks and i mean it. There is no fast fix, only long term.
Trading him now lets Milwaukee control the narrative and secure assets, rather than risking a messy divorce later. It’s proactive, not reactive.
6. A Fresh Start Could Benefit Both Sides
Giannis deserves to chase more rings, and the Bucks deserve a chance to redefine their identity. Sending him to a contender gives him a shot at more hardware. Meanwhile, Milwaukee can shift gears, develop new talent, and avoid the stagnation that plagues small-market teams after their stars fade.
Sure, some will say, “You don’t trade a top-five player!” And yes, Giannis is the Bucks’ biggest draw—attendance and jersey sales would take a hit. But loyalty can’t trump logic. The Bucks won’t contend with this roster, and keeping Giannis out of sentimentality risks wasting their future. Others might argue the Bucks should retool around him, but with no picks and an aging core, that’s a pipe dream. To be honest despite the marketing hype, Giannis is no longer looking like a top five player. Maybe a regular season top player but he can’t do clutch and that matters when you are chasing rings.
Trading Giannis Antetokounmpo would be gut-wrenching for Bucks fans. He’s the greatest player in franchise history, a homegrown legend who was part of a title to a city that hadn’t won one in 50 years. But the NBA moves fast, and clinging to the past rarely works. By trading him now—on March 23, 2025, or as soon as the market heats up—the Bucks can secure their future, avoid a slow decline, and give Giannis a chance to keep winning elsewhere. It’s not about giving up; it’s about being smart. The time to act is now.
I don’t actually think the Bucks will trade him. They can’t get much for him at all anymore. Giannis will prefer to stay and continue the narrative of the rest of the roster being to blame for everything. He will stat pad furiously and break every franchise record, pretend he was being loyal, whereas in fact he is just plain chicken, scared that he will fail wherever else he goes after all the talk about “not joining a superteam” and “doing it the right way”.
To appreciate the fourth-quarter letdown, we need context. The Bucks trailed by as many as 14 points in the first half, with Sacramento’s fast-paced attack—led by De’Aaron Fox and a depleted but scrappy Kings roster—exploiting Milwaukee’s thin lineup. Giannis, battling right patella tendinopathy and visibly less than 100%, turned the tide in the third quarter. He erupted for 22 points in that frame alone, slashing to the rim, bullying defenders, and cutting the Kings’ lead to just 3 heading into the final period. It was vintage Giannis: unstoppable, relentless, and the sole reason Milwaukee had a pulse. It was actually quite funny as the same people who were saying “oh, it’s the injury” in the first half were beating each other with superlatives! Social media buzzed with praise.On paper, it was shaping up to be another signature Giannis takeover. Then the fourth quarter happened.
With the Bucks down 3 entering the final 12 minutes, Giannis briefly sat as Milwaukee’s supporting cast—Kevin Porter Jr., Brook Lopez, and company—opened the quarter with a 7-0 run to seize a 4-point lead. Giannis re-entered with momentum on his side, but what followed was a masterclass in late-game inefficiency.
In the fourth, Giannis was his usual self, missing free throws. In a 6-point game where every possession mattered. His lone make was a layup. After that? Silence. He watched as Sacramento’s defence sagged off him, daring him to shoot or pass. Here is the play by play as per NBA.com official stats:
5.50 SUB: Antetokounmpo FOR Lopez, Bucks ahead 104-100
3:05 Antetokounmpo Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover
1:05 MISS Antetokounmpo 5′ Driving Floating Jump Shot
0:24 Antetokounmpo S.FOUL
0:20 Antetokounmpo Free Throw 1 of 2 (32 PTS)
The Bucks won despite Giannis, not because of him. Milwaukee’s bench and role players held a +7 advantage to start the quarter, and Lopez’s timely blocks (he finished with 3) plus Porter Jr.’s 18 points off the bench sealed the deal. Giannis’ plus-minus in the fourth was a team-worst -2, a stark contrast to his +15 for the game, underscoring how the Bucks thrived when he wasn’t the focal point late.
Why It Went Wrong
Giannis’ fourth-quarter struggles against the Kings weren’t an anomaly—they’re a microcosm of his well-documented late-game issues. Here’s what went awry:
Free-Throw Nightmares Giannis went 8-for-13 from the line overall, but his 0-for-3 in the fourth was inexcusable. Sacramento, lacking Domantas Sabonis’ rim protection, resorted to fouling Giannis to slow him down. His misses—airballs and bricks alike—killed momentum and gave the Kings life in a game they had no business staying in. For a player averaging 30.2 points on 59.9% shooting this season, his 68-70% career free-throw clip remains a glaring liability.
No Perimeter Threat The Kings packed the paint, daring Giannis to step outside his comfort zone. He obliged with a missed jumper and hesitated on open looks, allowing Sacramento to collapse without consequence. His 31% three-point shooting this season didn’t inspire confidence, and it showed—he didn’t even attempt a triple in the fourth.
Fatigue and Injury Playing 35 minutes on a gimpy knee, Giannis looked gassed. His drives lacked their usual explosiveness, and his decision-making faltered. A turnover late in the quarter—a sloppy pass under pressure—nearly swung the game back to Sacramento. Posts on X noted he was “clearly less than 100%,” yet the Bucks leaned on him heavily, amplifying his fatigue.
Defensive Attention Sacramento keyed in on Giannis, double-teaming him on drives and forcing him to defer. Without Lillard or Portis to draw attention, he faced a wall of bodies and couldn’t adjust. His 1 assist in the fourth pales next to his 6.0 season average, highlighting how the Kings neutralized his playmaking.
The Eye Test: Frustration Mounts
Watching the fourth unfold, Giannis’ frustration was palpable. After missing his first free throw, he shook his head, muttering to himself. A botched drive led to a pleading gesture toward the refs for a foul that never came. On defense, he nabbed 2 steals and a block for the game, but in the fourth, his effort waned—Fox blew by him for a layup that cut the lead to 4 with 3:12 left. The Bucks survived, but Giannis’ body language screamed exhaustion and irritation, a far cry from the third-quarter titan who’d dominated.
Does It Matter?
In isolation, this was one bad quarter in a win—hardly a death knell for Giannis’ season (30.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists). He’s 6-1 against the Kings in his last seven matchups, averaging 35.0 points, and last night’s 32-point, 17-rebound effort was heroic given the circumstances. Bucks fans hailed it as “a tough win,” crediting his overall impact.
But the pattern persists. Giannis’ career fourth-quarter playoff numbers (5.8 points, 44% shooting) and clutch-time inefficiencies (sub-50% true shooting) echo last night’s meltdown. Against a Kings team missing Sabonis and ripe for the taking, his late-game fade could’ve been fatal against stronger foes like Boston or Denver. With Milwaukee at 39-30 and clinging to the East’s 5th seed, these lapses raise questions about his reliability when the stakes rise.
Giannis didn’t lose the game—he just didn’t win it. The Bucks’ depth bailed him out, but as the playoffs loom, he’ll need to fix these flaws. A mid-range jumper, a quicker free-throw routine, or simply better stamina could turn these off nights into clutch heroics. At 30, he’s still in his prime, and his 2021 Finals Game 6 (17 fourth-quarter points) proves he can deliver.
Last night, Giannis was a titan for three quarters and a ghost in the fourth. It wasn’t a disaster, but it was bad enough to remind us: even the Greek Freak isn’t invincible when the clock winds down. Bucks fans can only hope he saves his best for when it matters most—because against the Kings, he left them sweating bullets.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Fourth-Quarter Struggles: A Deep Dive
To understand Giannis’ fourth-quarter woes, let’s start with the data. While his overall stat lines are jaw-dropping—averaging around 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists per game in recent seasons—his production tends to dip when the game is on the line. According to NBA.com stats for the 2024-2025 season (as of March 22, 2025), Giannis averages just 6.1 points in the fourth quarter on 48.2% field goal shooting, a noticeable drop from his full-game efficiency, which hovers around 55-57%. His free-throw percentage, already a career-long Achilles’ heel at 68-70%, plummets to 62% in the final frame.
In clutch situations—defined as the last five minutes of a game with the score within five points—his numbers are even more telling. Giannis’ usage rate remains sky-high (often exceeding 35%), but his true shooting percentage dips below 50%, and his turnovers spike to an average of 1.2 per clutch game. Compare this to peers like Nikola Jokić (58% true shooting in the clutch) or Kevin Durant (consistently above 60%), and the gap becomes apparent.
Perhaps most glaring is his playoff performance. During the Bucks’ 2024 playoff run, Giannis averaged 5.8 points in the fourth quarter on 44% shooting, with a free-throw percentage of 59%. In elimination games, those numbers shrink further, amplifying the perception that he shrinks when it matters most.
Memorable Meltdowns
Stats only tell part of the story. Giannis’ fourth-quarter struggles have produced some high-profile stinkers that fuel the narrative:
2023 Playoffs vs. Miami Heat: In Game 4 of the first-round upset, Giannis went 1-for-5 in the fourth quarter, missing key free throws and turning the ball over twice in the final three minutes. The Bucks lost, and the Heat went on to eliminate them.
2024 Finals Hopes Dashed: In a January 2025 showdown against the Celtics, Giannis scored just 4 points in the fourth on 2-for-7 shooting, as Boston pulled away with a 12-0 run to seal the game.
Clutch Free-Throw Fiascos: Against the 76ers in February 2025, Giannis missed 4 of 6 free throws in the final two minutes, turning a one-point lead into a three-point loss.
These moments stick in fans’ minds, overshadowing his otherwise dominant play.
Does It Matter?
Critics argue that Giannis’ fourth-quarter struggles undermine his status as an all-time great. After all, legends like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant were defined by their ability to take over games late. He’s not incapable of clutch heroics; he’s just inconsistent. And maybe he can’t do it anymore since the league has figured him out and he has not developed counters.
The Greek Freak’s legacy isn’t defined by his fourth-quarter woes yet. At 30 years old, he has time to evolve. If he can address these flaws, the narrative will shift from “Giannis disappears late” to “Giannis conquered his demons.” Until then, Bucks fans will hold their breath every time the clock ticks down—and hope their superstar proves the doubters wrong.
Despite his extraordinary physical skills and all the rumours claiming the Warriors want him, Giannis would struggle to fit into the Golden State Warriors’ system—a system built on high basketball IQ, fluid motion, and selfless play. In contrast, Jimmy Butler, who has seamlessly integrated into the Warriors’ rotations, exemplifies the kind of player who thrives in Golden State’s cerebral, team-oriented style. If Giannis had very few chances to be invited to San Fran before, now he has zero.
The Warriors’ System: A Symphony of IQ and Precision
The Warriors’ dynasty, under Steve Kerr, has been defined by a motion offense that prioritizes spacing, off-ball movement, and split-second decision-making. Players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green have thrived because they possess elite basketball IQs—understanding when to cut, when to screen, and when to pass without hesitation. This system demands players who can read defenses, anticipate plays, and contribute to a collective rhythm rather than relying solely on individual dominance.
Giannis, for all his gifts, doesn’t align with this philosophy. His game is predicated on bulldozing through defenses with his 6’11” frame, freakish athleticism, and Eurostep-driven drives. While effective in the past and against easier teams, this approach often stalls in structured systems that require nuance over brute force. Let’s break down the key areas where Giannis falls short compared to Butler.
Giannis’s Basketball IQ: Instinct Over Intellect
Basketball IQ isn’t just about scoring or rebounding—it’s about making the right play at the right time. Giannis often excels in transition, where his speed and power overwhelm opponents, but in the half-court, his decision-making often falters. Too frequently, he barrels into double-teams without a clear plan, resulting in turnovers or forced shots. His playoff struggles—most notably against the Raptors’ “Wall” in 2019 and the Heat’s zone in 2020—exposed this limitation. Defences can game-plan against him by clogging the paint, daring him to pass or shoot from outside, areas where his instincts don’t translate to consistent execution.
The Warriors’ offense, by contrast, thrives on players who can exploit defensive overreactions. Draymond Green’s ability to read the floor and deliver pinpoint passes to cutters is a cornerstone of their success. We recently saw him completely shut down Giannis because he rarely demonstrates this level of playmaking vision. His assist numbers (career average around 5-6 per game) often come from basic kick-outs rather than the layered reads Kerr’s system demands. In Golden State, he’d likely disrupt the flow, holding the ball too long or forcing drives that collapse spacing.
Jimmy Butler, on the other hand, is a maestro of half-court orchestration. Known for his savvy pick-and-roll play and ability to manipulate defenses, Butler makes quick, intelligent decisions. Whether it’s hitting an open teammate off a double-team or patiently probing for a mid-range jumper, his IQ shines through. In the Warriors’ system, Butler’s knack for finding the right angle—whether as a cutter or a passer—would mesh perfectly with Curry’s gravity and Green’s facilitation.
The Screening Conundrum: Giannis’s Weakness vs. Butler’s Strength
Screening is the lifeblood of the Warriors’ offense. From Curry’s off-ball screens to Green’s pick-and-roll mastery, effective screening creates the chaos that Golden State exploits. And they are masters at pulling off ludicrous screens without getting a whistle from the days of Bogue who pretty much admitted later that they couldn’t understand why they didn’t get called for it more often! Giannis, however, is a glaring liability in this department. Despite his size, he rarely sets meaningful screens, preferring to operate as the ball-handler or roller. His lack of technique—poor angles, minimal contact, and a tendency to slip screens prematurely—limits his ability to free up teammates. In Milwaukee, this hasn’t been a dealbreaker because the Bucks’ offense is designed around his downhill attacks, with shooters spacing the floor. But in Golden State, where screening is a prerequisite for off-ball movement, Giannis’s deficiency would grind the system to a halt.
Imagine Giannis trying to set a screen for Curry. Defenses would sag off, knowing he’s unlikely to pop for a jumper or roll with precision timing. His presence would clog the lane, negating the Warriors’ spacing advantage. Compare this to Butler, who has spent years honing his screening craft. In Miami, Butler’s screens in the pick-and-roll with Bam Adebayo were a thing of beauty—crisp, physical, and perfectly timed. Translated to Golden State, Butler could set screens for Curry or Thompson, then roll or fade with purpose, keeping the offense humming. His willingness to do the dirty work amplifies his fit, while Giannis’s reluctance to embrace this role underscores his mismatch.
Butler’s Fit: A Plug-and-Play Star
Jimmy Butler’s game is tailor-made for the Warriors. His mid-range scoring, defensive tenacity, and high-IQ playmaking align with Kerr’s vision. Butler doesn’t need the ball to dominate—he’s comfortable cutting, spotting up, or facilitating when needed. His 41.4% three-point shooting in the 2022-23 season (on low volume) would stretch defenses just enough, while his ability to guard multiple positions would bolster Golden State’s switch-heavy defense alongside Green. In rotations with Curry, Thompson, and Green, Butler’s versatility would shine, whether he’s running a secondary pick-and-roll or locking down the opponent’s best wing.
Giannis, by contrast, demands a ball-dominant role that clashes with Curry’s primacy. His 28.7% career three-point shooting and shaky free-throw accuracy (around 70%) make him a liability in crunch time, where the Warriors rely on spacing and execution. Defensively his rim-protecting style doesn’t translate as seamlessly to Golden State’s perimeter-oriented scheme as Butler’s multi-positional defence does.
The Verdict: Butler Outclasses Giannis in Golden State
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game is ill-suited for the Warriors’ intellectual, motion-based system. His lower basketball IQ and lack of screening ability would disrupt the harmony that defines Golden State’s success. Jimmy Butler, with his adaptability, grit, and nuanced skill set, is the far superior fit—enhancing the Warriors’ rotations without sacrificing their identity. In a hypothetical world where either player joins the Bay, Butler’s seamless integration would outshine Giannis’s awkward clash, proving that basketball brilliance isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about fitting the puzzle.
So, while Giannis will continue to dominate in his own way probably only in the regular season, the Warriors’ kingdom belongs to players like Butler, who elevate the system rather than bend it to their will. Many say they could go for it all this year. And if there was half a chance in hell Giannis would be traded to the Golden State one day, now it is zero.
Every superstar needs a supporting cast to maximise their impact, and for the Bucks, now that Khris left, Bobby Portis has emerged as a critical piece of the puzzle. Known for his tenacity, versatility, and relentless energy, Portis brings a unique skill set that not only complements Giannis but amplifies his dominance on the court. Let’s dive into why Bobby Portis is so good for the Bucks—and specifically how he enhances Giannis’ game when they share the floor.
The Suspension: A Fair Punishment with Long-Term Upside
On February 20, 2025, the NBA announced Portis’ 25-game suspension without pay after he tested positive for Tramadol, a painkiller recently added to the league’s banned substance list. Portis and his agent, Mark Bartelstein, maintained it was an honest mistake—he intended to take Toradol, an NBA-approved anti-inflammatory, to manage an elbow injury but was given Tramadol by an assistant due to a mix-up. Despite the unintentional nature, the NBA upheld its strict anti-drug policy, sidelining Portis until April 8, 2025, just four games before the regular season’s end.
The punishment was fair. The two medicines look nothing like each other and have vastly different use case and effects. The NBA’s anti-drug program exists to ensure a level playing field, and intent doesn’t negate responsibility. Portis himself acknowledged this, stating, “I feel horrible and recognise that I’m responsible for what I put in my body.” Tramadol, classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance, carries risks of dependency and side effects that could unfairly advantage a player, even if taken inadvertently. The 25-game ban aligns with precedents like Tristan Thompson’s suspension in 2024 for a similar violation, reinforcing consistency in enforcement. Bucks GM Jon Horst and coach Doc Rivers expressed support but didn’t contest the ruling, accepting it as a necessary consequence. The NBA was helping Bobby and protecting him in the long term.
More importantly this suspension might prove to be a blessing in disguise for both Portis and the Bucks. For Portis personally, the time away offers a chance to reset. At 30 years old and in his 10th NBA season, he’s been a model of durability, rarely missing games. However, the 2024-25 season brought personal challenges—his home was burglarised in November, and he lost his grandmother in January, missing six games to mourn. The suspension, while a financial hit ($2.85 million in lost salary), gives him a forced break to recover physically from his elbow injury and emotionally from a tumultuous year. Returning fresh for the playoffs could see him at peak form, ready to contribute to a deep postseason run. We all know most players battle injuries every day. Bobby, being Bobby may well have used drugs to make sure he could help the team, even to the detriment of his long term health.
For the Bucks, the suspension tests their depth but also fosters growth. Sitting at 29-24 and fifth in the East as of March 22, 2025, Milwaukee has struggled with consistency, especially after trading Khris Middleton at the deadline. Portis’ absence forces new additions like Kyle Kuzma to step up, potentially accelerating their integration alongside Giannis. It also allows coach Doc Rivers to experiment with lineups—perhaps leaning on Giannis at center more often or developing younger players like Andre Jackson Jr. The Bucks went 2-5 without Portis this season before the suspension, but those losses exposed weaknesses that can now be addressed. If the team adapts, they’ll emerge more resilient, with Portis’ return adding a rested, motivated spark plug for the playoffs.
The Perfect Complementary Big Man
Bobby Portis, affectionately dubbed “Bobby Buckets” by fans, is a 6’10” forward-center who embodies the modern NBA big man archetype. He’s not just a traditional post player; Portis can stretch the floor, crash the boards, and bring an infectious intensity that energises the team. For a player like Giannis, whose game thrives on driving lanes, transition opportunities, and defensive versatility, Portis is a near-perfect fit alongside him.
One of Portis’ standout traits is his ability to space the floor. While Giannis is a devastating force in the paint and on the break, his lack of a consistent outside shot often clogs driving lanes when paired with non-shooting bigs. Portis counters this beautifully with his reliable mid-range and three-point shooting. In the 2023-24 season, he shot 40.7% from beyond the arc on 1.8 attempts per game, a career-high mark that carried into the 2024-25 season with similar efficiency. When Portis is on the floor, defenses can’t sag off him to double-team Giannis in the paint without risking an open jumper. This spacing gives Giannis more room to operate—whether he’s bulldozing to the rim or kicking out to shooters after drawing help.
Rebounding and Second-Chance Opportunities
Portis’ presence amplifies the Bucks’ dominance on the glass. Portis is a relentless offensive rebounder, averaging 2.5 offensive rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, often turning missed shots into second-chance points. This is huge for Giannis, who thrives in transition and chaos. When Portis secures an offensive board, it either leads to an immediate putback or a reset where Giannis can attack a scrambled defense.
Defensively, Portis’ rebounding (5.8 defensive rebounds per game last season) helps Milwaukee secure stops and ignite Giannis’ trademark coast-to-coast runs. Portis’ ability to clean up possessions ensures Giannis get more of those opportunities. Together, they form a rebounding tandem that punishes opponents on both ends, especially since Giannis has cleared decreased focus in defence in recent years.
Energy and Physicality: The Intangible Boost
Beyond the stats, Portis brings an emotional edge that resonates with Giannis’ own relentless style. Known for his fiery competitiveness—sometimes to a fault, as seen in his occasional technical fouls—Portis plays with a chip on his shoulder that mirrors Giannis’ hustle-first mentality. This synergy is palpable when they’re on the court together. Portis isn’t afraid to mix it up in the paint, set bruising screens, or dive for loose balls, all of which create opportunities for Giannis to exploit.
For example, Portis’ willingness to battle bigger centres in the post allows Giannis to roam as a help defender or switch onto smaller players, where his length and agility shine. Offensively, Portis’ hard-nosed screens often spring Giannis free for downhill attacks, forcing defenses into impossible decisions: collapse on Giannis and leave Portis open, or stay home and let the Greek Freak feast at the rim. Bobby is the type of selfless player that makes Giannis looks good and covers up for his many weaknesses.
Pick-and-Pop Chemistry
One of the most effective ways Portis helps Giannis is through their pick-and-pop chemistry. While Giannis isn’t a traditional point guard, he often initiates the offensive. When Portis sets a high screen, he doesn’t just roll to the basket like a conventional big—he pops out to the mid-range or three-point line. This forces the defence to make a choice: switch and risk a mismatch with Giannis attacking a smaller player, or hedge and leave Portis open for a jumper. In other words, since Giannis doesn’t know how to screen, Portis has worked around the limitation to make a move that sometimes works!
Data from the 2023-24 season shows that Portis was highly efficient in these scenarios, shooting over 50% on mid-range attempts. When defences overcommit to Giannis, Portis punishes them with a quick release. It has to be quick because Giannis’ passes are usually not very good, almost never at the ideal part of his body and often at the end of the clock in desperation. This dynamic keeps opponents guessing and prevents them from building a wall in the paint—the defensive strategy teams like the Raptors and Heat have used to slow Giannis in the past.
Bench Spark and Lineup Flexibility
Portis typically comes off the bench for the Bucks, providing a spark that keeps the team humming when Giannis rests. However, when they share the floor—often in closing lineups or crunch-time situations—Portis’ versatility shines. He can slide to the four alongside Giannis at the five, creating a small-ball lineup with size, or play center with Giannis at power forward, maintaining defensive physicality. This flexibility allows coach Doc Rivers (or Mike Budenholzer before him) to adapt to matchups without sacrificing Giannis’ impact. For sure Bobby is much more clutch than Giannis.
In the 2021 championship run, Portis’ minutes alongside Giannis were pivotal, especially in the Finals against the Suns. His 16-point outburst in Game 6 off the bench exemplified how he can take pressure off Giannis by delivering timely scoring. That synergy has only grown stronger as Portis has settled into his role with Milwaukee.
The Stats Tell the Story
Looking at on/off splits from recent seasons, the Bucks’ net rating improves noticeably when Portis and Giannis play together. In the 2023-24 season, lineups featuring both players often posted offensive ratings above 120 points per 100 possessions, a testament to their combined scoring efficiency. Defensively, while Portis isn’t an elite rim protector, his hustle and positioning help Giannis anchor the backline, leading to a top-10 defensive rating in many of those minutes.
A Fan Favorite and Team Glue
Beyond the Xs and Os, Portis’ value to Giannis and the Bucks extends to his locker-room presence. His blue-collar work ethic and vocal leadership resonate with Giannis’ own approach, fostering a culture of toughness and accountability. Bucks fans adore him—chanting “Bob-by! Bob-by!” at Fiserv Forum—and that energy feeds into Giannis’ connection with the city and team.
The Ideal Wingman
Bobby Portis may not grab the headlines like Giannis, but his contributions are indispensable. He spaces
the floor, crashes the glass, brings physicality, and provides lineup versatility—all of which make Giannis’ life easier and the Bucks more dangerous. Whether it’s a timely three, a gritty rebound, or a tone-setting hustle play, Portis elevates the team’s ceiling. As the Bucks chase another title Portis remains the superhero whose partnership with Giannis keeps Milwaukee among the league’s elite. Together, they’re a matchup nightmare—and a big reason why the Bucks continue to contend.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the heart and soul of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, there are moments—whether due to rest, injury, or foul trouble—when Giannis isn’t playing, and while it’s hard to imagine the Bucks being better without their superstar, there are certain aspects of the team’s performance that can shift in intriguing and sometimes positive ways.
1. Ball Movement and Offensive Flow
Giannis is a gravitational force on offense. His ability to attack the rim, draw double-teams, and collapse defenses creates opportunities for his teammates. However, this dominance can sometimes stagnate the Bucks’ offense, as players defer to him or wait for him to initiate action. When Giannis sits, the Bucks often shift to a more egalitarian, motion-based attack.Without Giannis, players like Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez take on larger playmaking roles. The ball zips around the perimeter more, with increased emphasis on off-ball screens, cuts, and three-point shooting. Data from recent seasons shows that the Bucks’ assist numbers tick up slightly in non-Giannis minutes, reflecting a more distributed offensive load. For example, Lillard’s usage rate spikes, and his ability to orchestrate pick-and-rolls becomes the focal point, leading to a smoother rhythm for shooters like Middleton or Bobby Portis.The flow can feel less predictable and more dynamic, forcing defenses to adjust to a different style rather than loading up the paint.
2. Three-Point Volume and Spacing
Giannis’s game is built around his dominance inside the arc. While he’s improved his three-point shooting (career-high 34.4% in 2022-23), he’s not a high-volume outside shooter. Defenses know this and often sag off him, clogging the lane and daring him to shoot. When he’s off the court, the Bucks lean harder into their perimeter game.Players like Lillard, Middleton, and Pat Connaughton see more opportunities to launch from deep, and the team’s spacing improves as a result. Brook Lopez, a stretch-five, becomes a more central figure, pulling opposing bigs away from the basket. In non-Giannis minutes, the Bucks’ three-point attempt rate climbs, and their offense can resemble a modern, spread-out attack. For instance, in the 2023-24 season, Cleaning the Glass data showed that Milwaukee’s three-point attempt rate jumped by about 3-5% in stretches without Giannis, reflecting a shift in philosophy.The trade-off? They lose Giannis’s ability to generate easy buckets in the paint. But in harder games how’s paint efforts often just end up in missed free throws anyway.
3. Defensive Versatility
Giannis is a defensive juggernaut—his length, agility, and instincts make him a one-man wrecking crew. He can guard 1-through-5, protect the rim, and disrupt passing lanes (averaging 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game in recent years). So how could the Bucks’ defense possibly improve without him? Well for starters he is nowhere near his DPOY years and seems more focused on offensive stat padding.
It’s not about overall effectiveness but rather adaptability.When Giannis sits, the Bucks often deploy smaller, quicker lineups. Players like Jrue Holiday (in past seasons) or Gary Trent Jr. (in 2024-25) take on bigger roles, and the team switches more aggressively on the perimeter. Without Giannis anchoring the paint, Milwaukee leans into a scrappier, more switch-heavy scheme that can disrupt teams reliant on guard play or pick-and-roll actions. Opponents sometimes struggle to adjust to this change of pace, especially if they’ve prepared to attack Giannis’s help-defense tendencies.Additionally, Brook Lopez’s rim protection becomes even more critical, and his drop-coverage style can neutralize traditional bigs who might otherwise feast on smaller lineups. The Bucks’ style of defense can better counter certain opponents.–
4. Role Players Step Up
One of the hidden benefits of Giannis’s absence is the spotlight it puts on Milwaukee’s supporting cast. Players like Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton, and even younger talents like MarJon Beauchamp or Andre Jackson Jr. get more touches and minutes to prove themselves. Portis, in particular, thrives in these situations, often turning into a double-double machine with his hustle and mid-range scoring.This increased responsibility can boost confidence and chemistry among the role players. For example, during Giannis’s brief injury absences in the 2023-24 season, Portis averaged close to 20 points and 10 rebounds in extended minutes, showing he can carry a heavier load. Similarly, Middleton’s playmaking shines brighter, as he transitions from a secondary option to the primary creator.These moments also allow coach Doc Rivers (or whoever’s leading the team in 2025) to experiment with lineups and rotations, uncovering combinations that might not get a chance otherwise. These stretches can reveal depth that pays dividends in the playoffs. Giannis stat padding in the 4th quarter of blow out wins is not helping them.
5. Pace and Transition Opportunities
Giannis is a fast-break terror, often grabbing a rebound and going coast-to-coast for a dunk before the defense can blink. But when he’s off, the Bucks play faster as a team. Without their star dictating the tempo, guards like Lillard or AJ Green push the ball more aggressively, and the team leans into a quicker, more guard-oriented transition game.This shift can catch opponents off guard, especially if they’re used to slowing the pace to contain Giannis. The Bucks’ pace rating (possessions per 48 minutes) nudges up in non-Giannis minutes, per NBA Advanced Stats, as the team relies less on half-court sets and more on early offense. It’s not always sustainable but it adds a different dimension.
When Giannis isn’t on the court, the Bucks become a different beast. The offense flows through more hands, the three-point line gets hotter, the defense adapts with versatility, role players rise to the occasion, and the pace quickens. These shifts highlight the resilience and flexibility of a championship-caliber roster. For Bucks fans, it’s a silver lining: even without the Greek Freak, there’s still plenty of fight—and sometimes a few surprising strengths—in Milwaukee’s game.
So, next time Giannis takes a breather, watch closely. You might just see the Bucks uncover something new—and better—for those fleeting minutes.
The Milwaukee Bucks are undeniably one of the NBA’s elite teams when it comes to three-point shooting. As of March 21, 2025, their roster boasts a collective prowess from beyond the arc that has propelled them into the upper echelon of the league. Players like Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and a cadre of sharpshooting role players have turned Milwaukee into a perimeter threat that defenses must respect. The Bucks rank among the league leaders in three-point attempts and efficiency, a testament to their modern, space-and-pace style which continues with coach Doc Rivers. Yet, lurking beneath this glittering statistic is a perplexing enigma: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team’s superstar and heartbeat, is inexplicably getting worse from three-point range—and it’s a serious problem that fans are hypocritically brushing aside.
Let’s start with the Bucks’ three-point dominance. This season, they’ve leaned heavily into their outside shooting, with Lillard’s pull-up artistry and Middleton’s catch-and-shoot reliability leading the charge. Role players like Gary Trent Jr. and Bobby Portis have also stepped up, stretching defenses thin and creating the kind of spacing that makes Milwaukee’s offense a nightmare to guard. When the Bucks are clicking, their ability to rain threes opens up the floor for Giannis to do what he does best: bulldoze his way to the rim with unstoppable force. It’s a formula that has kept them in contention, with a record that reflects their status as a top Eastern Conference team even after a rocky 2-8 start.But here’s where the mystery deepens. Giannis, the two-time MVP and 2021 Finals hero, has never been a sharpshooter, but his decline from three-point range this season is alarming. He’s attempting fewer than one three-pointer per game—his lowest rate since his sophomore season in 2014-15—and converting at a dismal 19%. For context, his career high in three-point percentage was 34.7% as a rookie, and he hovered around 30% during his peak MVP years. Now, at age 30, with a decade of NBA experience, you’d expect some refinement in his jumper, especially given his relentless work ethic. Instead, he’s regressing, and it’s baffling.Why is this happening?
Theories abound. Some suggest he’s intentionally abandoned the shot, focusing on his midrange game (where he’s thriving) to preserve his body for the playoffs after years of injury setbacks. There’s also the possibility of a mental block—years of defenses sagging off him might have eroded his confidence in letting it fly. Whatever the reason, the numbers don’t lie: Giannis is trending downward while the Bucks’ system demands more from the perimeter.This decline isn’t just a curiosity—it’s a serious problem. In today’s NBA, versatility is king, especially in the postseason. The Bucks’ three-point barrage works wonders in the regular season, but playoff defenses are smarter, tighter, and more willing to dare Giannis to shoot. We’ve seen it before: teams build a wall in the paint, clogging his driving lanes, and if he can’t punish them from deep, the offense stalls. In 2021, he powered through with sheer dominance, but recent first-round exits highlight how his lack of an outside shot can bottleneck Milwaukee’s attack when it matters most. With Lillard aging, the Bucks need Giannis to evolve, not regress, to keep their championship window open. Note that this 3point percentage is close to the worse 3point percentage EVER in a season in NBA history!
And yet, Bucks fans—bless their loyal hearts—are playing a hypocritical game of denial. They’ll cheer every Lillard dagger and Portis triple, proudly touting their team’s three-point prowess, but when Giannis clanks another rare attempt, it’s crickets or excuses. “He doesn’t need to shoot threes!” they insist. “He’s the best in the paint—why change?” It’s a convenient narrative, but it dodges the truth: a Giannis who can’t stretch the floor limits the Bucks’ ceiling. Pretending otherwise is like ignoring a crack in the foundation of a house you love—it doesn’t fix itself, and it could bring everything down.
(The irony is that the Bucks this season also have THE BEST 3point shooter in the NBA on their roster!)
The Bucks are a three-point juggernaut, no question. But Giannis’s worsening performance from deep is a glaring flaw which makes the team extremely weak in the modern NBA. Until he rediscovers—or at least stabilizes—his outside shot, Milwaukee’s title hopes rest on a shaky premise: that their star can dominate without adapting to the league’s perimeter-driven reality. Fans can keep pretending it doesn’t matter, but the postseason will tell the real story. And if history is any guide, this mystery could turn into a tragedy.
For all his accolades, there’s a glaring flaw in his game that continues to hold him—and at times, his team—back: his inability to effectively space the floor. Worse still, he doesn’t seem to fully grasp the concept or demonstrate the ability to execute advanced plays or systems that modern NBA offenses demand.
Floor spacing is the art of positioning players to maximize driving lanes, open shots, and offensive flow. In today’s NBA, it’s often tied to shooting—particularly from beyond the arc. Teams crave players who can stretch defenses, forcing opponents to guard the full court rather than clogging the paint. Giannis, despite his otherworldly talents, is not one of those players. In fact you could say that the entire Bucks roster has been put together to cover his total inability to understand spacing.
His three-point shooting has been a well-documented weakness. In the 2023-24 season, he shot just 27.4% from deep on 1.7 attempts per game—a marginal improvement from earlier years but still far below league average. Defenses know this. They sag off him, daring him to shoot while packing the paint to neutralize his drives. This strategy was famously dubbed “The Wall” during the Bucks’ playoff struggles against teams like the Toronto Raptors in 2019 and the Miami Heat in 2020. Even in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, opponents often conceded the jumper, betting Giannis couldn’t punish them consistently. Brook Lopez’s 3point shooting was a major reason for bringing him to the Bucks, to free up space for Giannis.
The numbers back this up. According to Cleaning the Glass, the Bucks’ offensive efficiency drops when Giannis is on the floor without shooters like Khris Middleton or Brook Lopez to compensate. His presence can shrink the court, especially in half-court sets, where spacing becomes critical. For a player of his caliber, this limitation is baffling—and it’s not just about his shooting percentage.
A Lack of Understanding? What’s more concerning is that Giannis doesn’t always seem to recognize how his positioning impacts the offense. Too often, he lingers near the paint or hovers in no-man’s-land—neither threatening the rim nor pulling defenders out of it. Watch a Bucks game, and you’ll see possessions where he clogs driving lanes for teammates like Damian Lillard or Middleton, forcing stagnant isolation plays rather than fluid ball movement. On top of that he is a massive ball hog, by far No1 in possessions for the entire team which is crazy for a point forward that has no dribbling skills and leads the league in various mistakes and offences. Luckily the officiating usually lets him off easy for palming, travelling and other problems in his lack of technique.
Contrast this with players like LeBron James or Nikola Jokić, who, even when their shots aren’t falling, manipulate defenses with positioning and decision-making. Giannis, for all his brilliance, lacks that spatial awareness. He’s a freight train in transition, unstoppable when the floor is wide open, but in the half-court, his game can feel one-dimensional—barrel to the basket or bust.
This isn’t just a critique of effort; it’s about comprehension. Floor spacing isn’t solely about knocking down threes—it’s about knowing where to be and when. Giannis’s reluctance to fully embrace this aspect suggests a gap in his basketball IQ when it comes to advanced offensive systems.
Struggling with Advanced Plays Speaking of systems, Giannis’s fit within complex schemes is another sore spot. The Bucks have cycled through coaches—Mike Budenholzer, Adrian Griffin, and now Doc Rivers—each trying to unlock his potential in structured offenses. Yet, the results often feel the same: Giannis thrives in chaos but falters when asked to execute intricate plays.
Take pick-and-roll sets, a staple of modern basketball. Giannis is devastating as a roller, using his size and speed to overwhelm defenders. But as the ball-handler? His decision-making lags. He struggles to read help defenses, often forcing passes late or driving into traffic rather than kicking out to open shooters. His assist numbers (career-high 6.5 per game in 2022-23) are impressive for a big man, but they mask a lack of precision in high-IQ situations. And of course his turnovers have risen faster than his assists making him the worse in the entire NBA in assist to turnover ratio for many seasons now.
Compare this to Jokić, who dissects defenses with surgical passing, or even Anthony Davis, who’s grown into a hub for the Lakers’ offense. Giannis, by contrast, leans on raw athleticism over scheme mastery. The Bucks’ championship system under Budenholzer leaned heavily on surrounding him with shooters and letting him attack simplified sets—not a testament to his playmaking growth but a workaround for his limitations.
Why It Matters Now At 30 years old, Giannis is in his prime, and the Bucks remain contenders. But as the league evolves, his flaws become harder to hide. Defenses are smarter, rotations are quicker, and playoff series magnify weaknesses. The addition of Damian Lillard was supposed to elevate Milwaukee’s offense, pairing an elite shooter and playmaker with Giannis’s interior dominance. Instead, the fit has been clunky at times, with Giannis’s lack of spacing undermining Lillard’s gravity.
If the Bucks want to maximize this window, Giannis needs to evolve. Improving his jumper would be ideal, but even incremental growth in off-ball movement and system execution could transform their attack. He doesn’t need to be Steph Curry—he just needs to stop being a liability when the ball isn’t in his hands.
The Art of Screening—and Giannis’s Struggles Setting a good screen is about more than just standing in someone’s way. It’s a craft—using body position, timing, and angles to free a teammate or disrupt a defense. Elite big men like Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, or even Draymond Green excel at this, turning screens into weapons that dictate the flow of a play. Giannis, despite his 6’11” frame and physical gifts, doesn’t come close.
Watch a Bucks game, and you’ll notice Giannis’s screens often lack purpose. He’ll jog into position, make half-hearted contact, and roll prematurely—or not at all. Defenders slip by him with ease, barely impeded, leaving ball-handlers like Damian Lillard or Khris Middleton to fend for themselves. According to Second Spectrum tracking data, the Bucks generate fewer points per possession off screens involving Giannis compared to league averages for bigs in pick-and-roll sets. It’s not just a stats quirk—it’s visible on tape.
His technique is part of the issue. Giannis rarely squares his body to shield defenders effectively, and his footwork can be sloppy, allowing opponents to anticipate and counter. Where a player like Rudy Gobert uses his mass to wall off defenders, Giannis’s screens feel more like a formality than a tactic. For a player who dominates in so many areas, this gap is glaring.
The Angle Problem What sets Giannis apart as a poor screener isn’t just execution—it’s understanding. Screening is about geometry: finding the right angle to maximize disruption. Great screeners read the defense, adjust their stance, and position themselves to exploit mismatches or force switches. Giannis, however, seems oblivious to this chess match.
Too often, he sets screens at awkward angles that fail to create separation. He’ll plant himself parallel to the defender’s path rather than perpendicular, letting them slide under or over without resistance. Or he’ll set up too close to the ball-handler, clogging the lane instead of opening it. This lack of spatial awareness undermines plays designed to leverage his gravity as a roller.
Take a play from a recent Bucks game: Giannis sets a high screen for Lillard, but his body is turned toward the basket, not the defender. The angle is off, the defender recovers, and Lillard’s forced into a contested jumper. Compare that to Jokić, who subtly shifts his hips to seal a defender, giving Denver’s guards clean looks. Giannis doesn’t seem to process those nuances.
Why It’s a Bigger Issue This isn’t just a nitpick—it’s a limitation that affects Milwaukee’s offense, especially in the half-court. The Bucks brought in Lillard to supercharge their attack, but Giannis’s shaky screening undercuts that vision. A good screen from Giannis could spring Lillard for open threes or pull defenders into switches he can exploit. Instead, defenses stay comfortable, knowing Giannis won’t punish them with a well-set pick.
His rolling ability—explosive and devastating—only shines when the screen actually works. Too often, it doesn’t, leaving him out of rhythm and the offense stagnant. In playoff series, where execution trumps athleticism, this flaw gets magnified. Teams like the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have exploited it, neutralizing Giannis’s impact by ignoring his screens and daring him to create outside his comfort zone.
Can He Improve? At 30, Giannis isn’t too old to refine this part of his game, but it’s unclear if he sees it as a priority. His athletic dominance has carried him so far that fundamentals like screening might feel secondary. Coaches—from Mike Budenholzer to Doc Rivers—haven’t fully corrected this, either because they lean on his strengths elsewhere or because he’s resistant to the grind of mastering it.
Improving would require two things: better technique and a deeper understanding of angles. Film study could help, as could drills with players like Brook Lopez, a far more effective screener. But it starts with Giannis recognizing the gap. Right now, there’s little evidence he does. And of course no hope in hell of him going to a team like the Golden State Warriors that rely heavily both on constanst high level screens and an understanding of advanced plays and angles executed very quickly.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a superstar, but his screening and spacing are massive problems for anyone on the floor with him. He’s one of the NBA’s worst at setting picks, and his apparent lack of grasp on angles compounds the problem. For all his physical tools, this deficiency keeps him from being a complete offensive player—and it’s a burden the Bucks must keep working around. Until he figures out how to turn his screens into something defenses fear, Giannis will remain an enigma in one of basketball’s most basic yet vital skills.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a generational talent physically, but his struggles with floor spacing and advanced play execution are real. It’s not just about missing threes; it’s about a seeming disconnect from the nuances that define elite offenses. Until he bridges that gap—or Milwaukee builds an even more perfect system around him—his game will carry an asterisk. The Greek Freak is a wrecking ball, but the NBA’s best teams know how to build walls he can’t always break through.
When Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years in 2021, his stock as a superstar reached an all-time high. The “Greek Freak” was not only a two-time MVP but also a Finals MVP. At that moment, his trade value was virtually untouchable, a player no team could realistically pry away from Milwaukee without offering a king’s ransom. Fast forward to March 2025, and Giannis trade value has undeniably taken a hit.
The Championship Glow Has Faded
The 2020-21 title was a crowning achievement, but the Bucks have struggled to replicate that success. All Giannis talk of “running it back” has not dated well. Milwaukee has faced a string of postseason disappointments: a second-round exit in 2022, a shocking first-round upset by the Miami Heat in 2023, and another early exit in 2024 despite pairing Giannis with Damian Lillard. These failures have shifted the narrative. While Giannis continues to post monstrous stat lines—averaging around 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists on elite efficiency—the lack of deep playoff runs has raised questions about whether he can carry a team to another title as the unquestioned No. 1 option. It is becoming more and more apparent that the Bucks championship team was built to hide his many game weaknesses.
In the immediate aftermath of the championship, trading for Giannis would have required multiple All-Stars, a haul of first-round picks, and perhaps even a young cornerstone player. Today, teams might still offer a hefty package, but the sense of invincibility around him has waned. The Bucks’ inability to build a consistent contender around him has exposed vulnerabilities, and rival executives are less likely to view him as a guaranteed ticket to a championship. His value is maybe as a regular season try hard, someone you can throw in games to rest your real playoff pieces.
Age and Wear-and-Tear Concerns
Giannis turned 30 in December 2024, and while he’s still in his physical prime, his game relies heavily on athleticism and relentless drives to the basket. Over the years, the mileage has accumulated—nine straight All-Star appearances, deep playoff runs, and international play with Greece have taken a toll. Injuries, though not chronic, have crept into the conversation. He missed significant time in the 2023 playoffs with a back issue, and nagging knee concerns have surfaced in subsequent seasons. He seems to not have the intelligence in the way he trains too. Free throws worse than ever, 3pt percentage worse than ever for him and worse in NBA history for a season. Basketball is a game of finesse and Giannis’ run and dunk style seems to have reached its limits. Worse of all, the NBA seems to have figured out how to stop him, with most teams now having at least one player that can shut down Giannis even without a wall.
For teams considering a trade, longevity is a factor. At his peak trade value in 2021, Giannis was 26, offering a decade of elite production. Now, at 30, the window is narrower. Front offices must weigh whether his next five years will match the dominance of his last five, especially given his limited outside shooting. Knowing this, Giannis tried to make a fuss about his mid range this season but it’s simply not true. He is regressing to his usual numbers. More importantly he has no free throw in the harder games. It is one of many things he can only do against easier opponents. His free-throw struggles are getting to the level of being a serious vulnerability in clutch. His lack of a reliable jumper remains exploitable and one of many weaknesses that will be targeted in the playoffs, further tempering the perception of him as a perfect superstar. Pretending to be injured won’t work forever.
The Damian Lillard Experiment
The Bucks’ acquisition of Damian Lillard in 2023 was supposed to elevate Giannis’ supporting cast and solidify Milwaukee as a dynasty. Ironic after Giannis made such a fuss about not being on a “super team”. He signed off getting rid of Jrue which was a massive mistake. It’s been a mixed bag. Lillard, now in his mid-30s, has shown signs of decline, and the fit with Giannis hasn’t been seamless more due to Giannis’ inability to adapt or play any sort of complicated systems. The trade cost Milwaukee significant depth and draft capital, leaving the roster top-heavy and aging. This has indirectly hurt Giannis’ trade value—teams now see the Bucks’ predicament and might hesitate to offer a massive package, knowing Milwaukee’s leverage is weakened by their all-in gamble.
In 2021, Giannis’ value was buoyed by the idea that he could thrive with any co-star. The Lillard experiment has cast doubt on that, suggesting he may need a very specific supporting cast to maximize his talents—a constraint that lowers his appeal in trade talks. Khris was a very special player, both saving Giannis in clutch and also managing to put his ego aside.
Market Dynamics and Contract Considerations
Giannis signed a three-year, $186 million extension in October 2023, keeping him under contract through the 2027-28 season (with a player option for the final year). While this gives Milwaukee security, it also means any team trading for him would inherit a supermax deal that balloons to over $60 million annually by 2027. For contenders, that’s a massive cap hit, and for rebuilding teams, it’s a questionable investment for a player who might not stick around long-term if success doesn’t follow. And it is very very likely not to work. Giannis is looking more and more concerned with stat padding and less and less able to play defence.
In 2021, his contract was seen as a bargain relative to his production. Now, with salaries escalating league-wide and teams more cap-conscious, the sheer size of his deal could deter some suitors, further depressing his trade value.
The Perception Shift
Perhaps the most intangible factor is the shift in how Giannis is perceived. In 2021, he was the ascending king, a once-in-a-generation talent who had just conquered the league. Today the aura of inevitability has faded. Younger stars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, and Anthony Edwards have entered the spotlight, and Giannis’ playoff shortcomings have fuelled debates about his place in the pecking order.
What’s He Worth Now?
At his peak, a Giannis trade might have fetched something like three All-Star-level players, five first-round picks, and additional assets—a package akin to what the Nets got for Kevin Durant in 2023. Today, a realistic haul might be closer to two high-level starters, three first-rounders, and some role players—still substantial, but a clear step down. For example, a hypothetical deal with a team like the Miami Heat might involve Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and picks, whereas in 2021, it might have taken Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and more. But no, the Heat won’t make a trade like that. And more than likely no other team will either. Other superstars don’t want to play with him for all sorts of reasons. The list of teams and players that have serious beef with Giannis is growing all the time.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade value, once stratospheric, has declined since the 2021 championship. A combination of postseason struggles, age concerns, roster mismanagement in Milwaukee, and a shifting NBA landscape has brought him back to earth—still a superstar, but no longer untouchable. For Bucks fans, the hope is that he never hits the trade market. Personally I also think he will never leave the Bucks. He likes pretending he is the only one on the team worth anything. In my opinion he is solely to blame for bringing the Bucks to this dead end they are in. For the rest of the league, the Greek Freak’s slightly diminished value might just make the impossible dream a little more plausible. But finding a team that is willing to rearrange everything to fit him is looking less and less likely and with that his value falls every day.
I did a post about various players that can shut down Giannis on their own. No “wall” needed. Here is one I forgot. If you’ve watched the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Milwaukee Bucks in recent years, you’ve probably noticed something: Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, the two-time MVP, doesn’t always look quite as unstoppable when Jarred Vanderbilt is on the floor. Sure, Giannis still gets some but there’s a noticeable grind to his game, a little extra sweat on his brow. So, what’s the deal? Why does Vanderbilt, a gritty role player, seem to have the formula for slowing down Giannis?
The Physical Blueprint
At 6’8” with a 7’1” wingspan and an 8’10” standing reach, Jarred Vanderbilt isn’t your average forward. He’s built like a Swiss Army knife—long enough to bother bigs, quick enough to hang with guards, and strong enough to not get shoved aside by a freight train like Giannis. The Bucks star thrives on bulldozing smaller defenders or outrunning lumbering centres, but Vanderbilt’s combo of size and agility throws a wrench into that plan. He can slide his feet to cut off Giannis’s Eurostep drives and extend those lanky arms to contest shots without racking up fouls (well, most of the time).
Defense That Doesn’t Quit
Vanderbilt’s game isn’t about flashy stats—it’s about effort. The dude plays like he’s got an extra battery pack strapped to his back. He’s diving for loose balls, scrapping for rebounds (6.3 per game career average), and sticking to Giannis like a shadow. That relentless energy is a nightmare for a player like Giannis, who feasts in transition (7.6 fast-break points per game this season). Vanderbilt’s hustle forces Milwaukee into the half-court, where the Lakers can clog the paint and turn Giannis into a passer—or, better yet, a jump-shooter (career 28.6% from three, folks).
Steals and Smarts
Don’t sleep on Vanderbilt’s hands. He’s averaging 1.2 steals per game for his career, and those quick paws have snagged plenty of Giannis’s dribbles. Let’s face it Giannis is not a ball handler. Yet this season he thinks it a good idea to bring the ball down. Whether it’s a sneaky strip on a drive or a deflection in the post, Vanderbilt’s defensive IQ shines through. He knows Giannis wants to get downhill, so he’ll shade him toward help or bait him into a turnover (Giannis averages 3.0 against LA). Pair that with his ability to switch across positions—thanks to years honing his versatility—and you’ve got a defender who can disrupt Milwaukee’s entire offence, not just its superstar.
The Lakers’ Secret Sauce
Vanderbilt doesn’t do this alone. When he’s guarding Giannis, Anthony Davis used to be usually lurking nearby, ready to swat shots (2.1 blocks per game this season). The Lakers’ “wall” strategy—packing the paint and daring Giannis to shoot from outside—isn’t unique, but Vanderbilt makes it sing. He’s the guy out front, taking the hits and funnelling Giannis into AD’s domain. It’s like a buddy-cop movie: Vanderbilt’s the scrappy street fighter, Davis is the cool-headed enforcer, and Giannis is the bad guy who still gets away sometimes. Without Anthony Davis, Hayes will have to play tonight and he is clearly not as able in defence.
Proof in the Matchups
Check the tape. Back on March 8, 2024, the Lakers edged out a 123-122 thriller, and Giannis went 12-for-21 (57.1%) for 34 points—solid, but below his usual efficiency—with 5 turnovers. Vanderbilt was all over him for 20 minutes. Or take February 1, 2023: Giannis dropped 38 on 15-of-29 shooting (51.7%), but Vanderbilt’s 26 minutes included 4 steals and a whole lot of frustration for the Bucks. Even in losses, like this month’s 124-109 Bucks win, Vanderbilt’s 14 minutes kept Giannis working harder than he’d like.
Not Perfect, But Perfectly Pesky
Giannis is still Giannis. He’s averaging 27.9 points against the Lakers historically, and he’ll have his monster nights no matter who’s guarding him. Vanderbilt’s offence (a modest 6.0 PPG career average) also lets Giannis sag off and roam defensively. But that’s not the point. Vanderbilt’s job isn’t to erase Giannis—it’s to make him mortal, to turn a 40-point cakewalk into a 30-point grind. And when he’s healthy and locked in, he does just that. Add to that his turnovers (worse in the NBA this season in relation to assists) and it’s not looking good.
Jarred Vanderbilt might not get the headlines, but he’s the kind of player coaches dream about. Against Giannis Antetokounmpo, his length, hustle, and smarts combine to form a defensive puzzle that even the Greek Freak struggles to solve. When LA and Milwaukee square off, keep an eye on No. 8. You’ll see why Giannis might secretly dread those matchups.
I started looking at team stats and – predictably – in red circles the best of the league are the ones you expect more or less:
But then it gets interesting when you select to see stats only in games they lose:
The Bucks are the worse in assist ratio and defensive rebound share. This is something I have been shouting about all along. Giannis’ fans cherry pick averages. But he is much much worse when they lose:
His field goal percentage drops dramatically, he shoots more 3s weirdly, his free throw percentage drops as do his assists and blocks. This is a player with no bag. No options. No ability to change his games when his team needs him to. One trick pony, run and dunk. And when that doesn’t work, well Bucks are gonners.
Above his career stats, in red his best years. It is pretty clear that 2019-2020 was the pinnacle. Giannis has been going downhill ever since. But it is more nuanced of course because he still stat pads what he sees, ie points/rebounds/assists.
Advanced stats paint the picture even better. The only thing Giannis does ‘better’ is stat pad those defensive rebounds! You know the ones, he just waits for the ball as everyone else has cleared out of the paint after a missed shot.
Misc split stats? Same picture. Only personal fouls drawn got ‘better’ in 2022-2023 but you can’t really say that because he then misses the free throws. So in effect they are often a wasted offence and they damn sure stop the flow of the game for everyone!
2019-2020 Season: The Pinnacle
Not only his best ever but also the high-water mark from which his performance has steadily declined in nearly every facet of the game.
He won the Defensive Player of the Year award, anchoring a Bucks defense that allowed just 101.6 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor. His versatility—guarding point guards one possession and rim-protecting the next—made him the league’s most impactful defender. That season, he also claimed his second consecutive MVP award, joining an elite group of players to achieve that feat. Even his free-throw shooting (63.3%)—a perennial weakness—was better than it would be in subsequent years.
The Decline: Where It’s Gone Downhill
Since that peak, Giannis’s performance has trended downward in several key areas, despite the narrative of his continued greatness buoyed by the Bucks’ 2021 championship. Let’s break it down.
Scoring Efficiency and Volume In 2020-2021, his scoring dipped to 28.1 points per game on 56.9% shooting, still elite but a slight step back. By 2022-2023, he was at 31.1 points per game, but his field goal percentage dropped to 55.3%, and his free-throw shooting cratered to 64.5%. In the 2023-2024 season, he averaged 30.4 points on 61.1% shooting—an outlier year driven by an unsustainable spike in close-range efficiency—but his free-throw percentage plummeted to 65.7%. This season (2024-2025, as of March 20, 2025), early indications suggest he’s hovering around 30 points per game, but his efficiency is normalizing downward again. The trend? He’s relying more on volume than the effortless dominance of 2019-2020.
Playmaking Giannis’s assist numbers peaked at 5.8 in 2022-2023, but his turnovers have crept up too—from 3.1 per game in 2019-2020 to 3.9 in 2023-2024. Defences have adjusted, doubling him more aggressively and forcing him to pass out of pressure. While he’s adapted, he’s not the same decisive playmaker he was when he could single-handedly collapse a defence and find open teammates with ease.
Defence The most glaring decline has been on the defensive end. Since winning DPOY in 2020, Giannis hasn’t sniffed that level of impact. In 2023-2024, the Bucks’ defensive rating with him on the court was 112.8—solid, but a far cry from the stingy 101.6 of 2019-2020. Injuries, increased offensive load, and a less cohesive team defense have all played a role, but Giannis no longer strikes fear into opponents as a roaming disruptor. He’s still good, but not generational.
Free-Throw Woes Giannis’s free-throw shooting has become a running joke. After hitting 63.3% in 2019-2020, it’s gotten worse almost every year: 68.5% in 2020-2021 (a fluke), 63.3% in 2021-2022, 64.5% in 2022-2023, and a dismal 65.7% in 2023-2024. Teams exploit this in close games, and it’s a glaring regression from even his modest 2019-2020 mark.
Postseason Struggles The 2021 championship masks some of Giannis’s postseason decline. In 2019-2020, the Bucks were upset by the Miami Heat in the bubble, but Giannis was still a terror (albeit limited by injury). Since then, his playoff performances have been inconsistent—heroic in 2021 (35.2 points per game in the Finals), but underwhelming in 2023 (23.3 points on 49.2% shooting against Miami) and 2024 (hampered by injury again). He’s not elevating his game the way he once promised to.
Why the Decline?
Several factors explain this slide. First, wear and tear: Giannis has logged heavy minutes over the years, and injuries (knee, ankle, back) have piled up. Second, the league has adapted—teams now wall off the paint and dare him to shoot, exposing his lack of a reliable jumper. Very often a single defender can neutralise him. Third, the Bucks’ supporting cast and coaching have fluctuated, and since Giannis can’t adapt he has to wait for them to figure how to cover for his many weaknesses on the court. Finally, at 30 years old (as of December 2024), he’s no longer the ascendant freak of nature he was at 25. But mainly he seems to lack the basketball IQ on the court and the plain normal IQ to learn some new skills.
The chart above charts what he actually did instead of getting better. He focused on stat padding and damned be his team! Again notice the red circles (his best years ever in each stat) are firmly in the past.
Usage split stats from nba.com really paint the picture of his constant decline. This is not on the team, this is not just one or two games. Giannis sees these stats and simply will not or cannot improve.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2019-2020 season was a perfect storm of youth, athleticism, and team synergy that made him the best player in the world. Since then he’s not an unstoppable force. Not when it counts. His efficiency, defensive impact, and overall dominance have waned, even as he’s added a championship to his resume. The Greek Freak’s peak came early and all available evidence suggests he’s been on a slow decline ever since.
For Bucks fans, the hope is he can recapture that magic—but for now, 2019-2020 stands as his crowning achievement.
Rivers was brought in midseason to turn the Bucks into a championship contender, replacing Adrian Griffin, who had the team at a 30-13 clip. With the Bucks struggling, the narrative is often that Rivers is failing to deliver. But is it really that simple? Or is it just that in the modern NBA players are too holy to touch so the coaching staff gets the blame all the time?
Roster Construction: An Aging Core with Limited Flexibility
The Bucks’ roster is built around two superstars, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, both of whom are in their 30s. While Giannis remains a force of nature, averaging over 30 points per game this season most of his stats are worse than before and Lillard’s performance has been inconsistent. This isn’t a coaching issue; it’s a sign of a 34-year-old guard adjusting to a new system.
Beyond the stars, the supporting cast is aging and lacks the athleticism needed to keep up with younger, faster teams. Khris Middleton, another key piece, was sidelined with injury and then traded. Brook Lopez, now 36, is still a solid rim protector but struggles with mobility against quicker opponents. Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, both relied upon heavily, are also past their athletic primes and have seen their efficiency dip. This roster was constructed by the front office, not Rivers, and its flaws—age, lack of perimeter defence, and limited depth—were evident even before he arrived. It was the best they could get in an extremely competitive NBA trade scene.
The Midseason Hire Handicap
Rivers didn’t get a full training camp with this team. He was thrust into the head coaching role in January 2024, inheriting a squad that was already 30-13 but showing cracks under Griffin. Midseason coaching changes rarely lead to instant success because there’s no time to install a new system or build chemistry. Rivers went 17-19 in the regular season last year and lost in the first round to the Indiana Pacers, but injuries to Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton crippled the team in that series. This season, with a full offseason to prepare, the Bucks still face the same structural issues—issues Rivers didn’t create and can’t magically fix with Xs and Os alone.
Defensive Struggles Predate Rivers
One of the Bucks’ biggest problems this season has been their defense, ranking near the bottom of the league in points allowed per game. Critics point to Rivers’ outdated drop-coverage scheme as the culprit, arguing it leaves perimeter shooters open. But this defensive decline isn’t new. The Bucks traded away Jrue Holiday—their best perimeter defender—for Lillard before the 2023-2024 season, a move that prioritized offense over defense. Under Griffin, the Bucks had the league’s 4th easiest schedule and still ranked 19th in defensive rating. Rivers improved that to 11th after taking over, despite a tougher slate of opponents. The personnel simply doesn’t fit a switch-heavy, modern defense—Lillard and Lopez are liabilities against quick guards, and Rivers can only work with what he’s given.
The Offense: Talent, Not Scheme
Offensively, the Bucks have been abysmal, shooting just 34.6% from three as a team through five games. Rivers has been criticized for not maximizing the Giannis-Dame pick-and-roll, but the numbers tell a different story. When those two run the play, it’s effective—Giannis is nearly unguardable rolling to the rim, and Lillard can still hit pull-up threes when he’s on. The problem is execution and support. Lillard’s cold start and the lack of reliable shooters around the stars (Connaughton is at 26.3% from three, Portis at 28.6%) mean defenses can sag off and clog the paint. Rivers can draw up plays, but he can’t shoot the ball for his players.
The Bigger Picture: Organizational Decisions
The Bucks’ struggles are the result of a series of front-office gambles that haven’t panned out. Trading Holiday for Lillard was a win-now move that sacrificed defense and depth. Firing Mike Budenholzer, who led the team to a 2021 title, after one bad playoff run was a panic decision. Replacing him with Griffin, a rookie coach, and then pivoting to Rivers midseason reflects a lack of clear direction. Rivers isn’t blameless—he’s made questionable rotation choices, like leaning on veterans over younger players like AJ Green or Andre Jackson Jr.—but he’s not the architect of this mess. He’s a coach trying to navigate a flawed roster with sky-high expectations.
Conclusion: It’s More Than One Man
Doc Rivers has his flaws. His playoff track record is spotty, and his tendency to favor veterans over youth can be frustrating. But the Bucks’ current woes aren’t his fault alone. An aging roster, poor shooting, and a lack of defensive versatility are systemic issues that predate his arrival and would challenge any coach. Giannis is still a top-five player, and Lillard can turn it around, but the supporting cast and organizational strategy need a hard look. Blaming Rivers is easy, but it’s the Bucks’ front office—and the players’ execution—that hold the real keys to turning this season around. For now, Rivers is just the guy steering a ship that was leaking before he ever stepped on board.
Why Giannis Antetokounmpo Might Be Uncoachable
Not in the sense of being defiant or disrespectful, but in a more nuanced way—his game, his mentality, and his approach to basketball may inherently resist the kind of coaching that elevates other superstars. Here’s why.
The Stubbornness of a Self-Made Star
Giannis’ rise from a scrawny Greek prospect to global icon is a testament to his work ethic and self-belief. He wasn’t groomed in AAU circuits or polished by elite college programs—he built his game from scratch, fueled by raw talent and an obsessive desire to improve. That DIY ethos is his greatest strength, but it’s also a double-edged sword. When you’ve taught yourself to dominate through sheer will and physical gifts, it’s hard to accept that someone else—a coach—might know better.
Take his shooting, for example. Giannis’ jump shot has been a glaring weakness since day one, yet despite years of critique and countless offseason promises to “fix it,” the progress has been glacial. His three-point percentage hovers around 28-29% most seasons, and his midrange game remains unreliable. Coaches like Jason Kidd, Mike Budenholzer, and now Doc Rivers have surely drilled him on mechanics, footwork, and shot selection, but Giannis keeps reverting to what’s comfortable—driving to the rim or launching awkward, off-balance jumpers. It’s not laziness; it’s a stubborn adherence to his own process. He trusts his instincts over structured coaching, and while that’s gotten him this far, it’s also capped his evolution.
The Free-Throw Fiasco
Nothing exemplifies Giannis’ uncoachability more than his free-throw routine. His agonizingly slow, 10-second wind-up—complete with multiple dribbles and a deep-breath ritual—has been a punchline for years, often drawing countdowns from opposing crowds. It’s also a liability: he’s a career 70% free-throw shooter, dipping to 61% in the 2021 playoffs (albeit with a clutch Finals performance). Coaches have undoubtedly tried to streamline this—simplify the motion, speed it up, anything to make it less of a mental hurdle. Yet Giannis sticks to it, defiantly so, even as it costs him and the Bucks in tight games. When Budenholzer was asked about it, he’d deflect with vague platitudes about Giannis’ work ethic, but the subtext was clear: Giannis does what Giannis wants.
This isn’t just quirkiness—it’s a refusal to adapt. Great players tweak their habits under coaching guidance. Kobe Bryant refined his shot with Phil Jackson; LeBron James overhauled his jumper with Chris Jent. Giannis, by contrast, seems to view coaching input as a suggestion, not a directive. His free-throw struggles aren’t a lack of talent—they’re a symptom of a player too entrenched in his own head to let a coach pull him out. And due to his severely lacking social skills he doesn’t train with other NBA superstars in the summer.
A Game That Defies Systems
Giannis’ playing style is another hurdle. He’s a one-man wrecking crew—6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, explosive speed, and relentless aggression. He thrives in transition, bulldozing to the rim or Euro-stepping past defenders. It’s breathtaking when it works, but it’s also chaotic. Unlike, say, Kevin Durant, whose game fits seamlessly into any offensive scheme, Giannis’ dominance relies on space and momentum—things a coach can’t always manufacture. When the game slows down, as it does in the playoffs, his lack of polish (shooting, post moves, off-ball play) gets exposed, and no Bucks coach has fully solved that puzzle.
Mike Budenholzer took heat for Milwaukee’s playoff failures before 2021, often blamed for rigid schemes that didn’t maximize Giannis. But was it all Bud’s fault? Giannis’ freelancing—charging into triple-teams or hesitating on open looks—often undermined those systems. The 2021 title run succeeded because Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton bailed him out with timely playmaking and shot creation, not because Giannis suddenly became a cog in a well-oiled machine. Doc Rivers’ tenure has been bumpier still, with Giannis’ turnovers and late-game decisions fueling Milwaukee’s inconsistency. A coachable star adapts to the system; Giannis forces the system to adapt to him.
The Ego of Greatness
Then there’s the mentality. Giannis is famously humble off the court—cracking dad jokes and shunning the spotlight—but on it, he’s an alpha with an unshakable belief in his own path. That’s not a knock; confidence is what makes him elite. But it can clash with coaching authority. When he brushed off playoff losses with lines like “I don’t care” or “it’s just basketball,” it hinted at a player who doesn’t dwell on setbacks—or, perhaps, doesn’t fully heed the lessons coaches try to impart. His “I did it the right way” narrative after the 2021 title further suggests he sees his journey as self-directed, not a product of collaborative coaching. He disregards the coach and explains his own plays to the team. It’s pathetic!
Compare that to other greats. Tim Duncan, the ultimate coachable superstar, let Gregg Popovich mold him into a two-way anchor. Even LeBron, for all his clout, has bent to Erik Spoelstra’s or Ty Lue’s vision when needed. Giannis, though? He’s more like Shaq—unstoppable on his terms, but resistant to anyone reshaping his game. Shaq never needed a jumper because he was Shaq; Giannis doesn’t think he needs one either, even when the evidence (like the 2023 Miami upset) says otherwise.
The Bucks’ Coaching Carousel
Milwaukee’s revolving door of coaches—Kidd, Budenholzer, Rivers—might reflect this tension. Kidd couldn’t harness Giannis’ raw potential into playoff success. Budenholzer got the title but was criticized for not adjusting enough to Giannis’ limitations. Rivers, a veteran voice, has struggled to impose structure on a Giannis-led squad that often looks disjointed. Sure, front-office decisions and roster flaws play a role, but the common thread is Giannis’ singular style and mindset. A truly coachable star makes any system work; Giannis makes coaches bend to his will, for better or worse.
Conclusion: A Titan Too Big to Tame
Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t uncoachable in the toxic, locker-room-cancer sense. He’s not clashing with coaches or tanking practices. He’s a hard worker, a team-first guy, and a joy to watch. But his game and psyche—forged in his own image, resistant to refinement—suggest a player who’s reached the mountaintop largely on his terms. That’s inspiring, but it’s also limiting. To call him uncoachable isn’t an insult—it’s an observation of a player too self-reliant to fully surrender to a coach’s vision. The Bucks might never build a dynasty unless Giannis lets someone else steer the ship, even just a little. Until then, he’ll remain a maddening enigma for every coach who tries to guide him.
Undisputed King of the Airball. Yes, you read that right. Giannis has a knack for missing shots in the most spectacular way possible—by launching the ball into the abyss, nowhere near the rim. It’s a trait that’s become a meme, a talking point, and, oddly enough, a testament to why fans adore him.
The Airball Chronicles: A Highlight Reel of Misses
Giannis’ airball moments aren’t just occasional slip-ups—they’re events. They’ve been immortalized in viral clips, dissected by analysts, and roasted by fans on social media. One of the most infamous examples came during a 2021 game against the Charlotte Hornets. With the Bucks in transition, Giannis pulled up from beyond the arc, unleashed his signature form—a wind-up that looks more like a catapult than a jump shot—and… nothing. The ball sailed over the backboard, barely grazing the air molecules near the rim. The crowd groaned, Twitter erupted, and somewhere, a Bucks fan laughed through the pain.
Then there’s the free-throw line, where Giannis’ airball antics have reached peak comedy. His prolonged free-throw routine—sometimes pushing the 10-second limit—builds anticipation, only for the ball to occasionally miss everything. Last night against the Warriors after delaying as usual his air ball was extra funny. In a 2023 playoff game against the Miami Heat, Giannis airballed a free throw so badly that it became a rallying cry for Heat fans, who chanted “Air-ball! Air-ball!” every time he stepped to the line thereafter. Even in high-stakes moments, Giannis delivers unintentional entertainment.
Why Does It Happen? Breaking Down the Mechanics
So, how does a player with Giannis’ talent end up with such a prolific airball resume? It’s a mix of mechanics, mentality, and his unique journey as a basketball player.
First, let’s talk about his shooting form. Giannis didn’t grow up with the polished jumpers of a Steph Curry or a Kevin Durant. He honed his game on the streets of Athens, Greece, where raw athleticism and hustle trumped finesse. His jumper has always been a work in progress—awkward, stiff, and reliant on a slow release that leaves little margin for error. When he’s off, he’s off, and the ball can end up anywhere but the hoop.
Second, Giannis isn’t afraid to shoot. Unlike some stars who shy away from their weaknesses, he embraces the challenge. He’s taken more three-pointers each season, going from 0.5 attempts per game in his rookie year (2013-14) to 4.7 attempts in the 2023-24 season. Only this season has he stopped taking many and now he is having the worse 3point percentage in a season in NBA history! That fearlessness is part of what makes him so bad for his team—but it also means more opportunities for airballs. He’s not content to stay in his lane as a paint-bound big man; he wants to evolve, even if it means occasionally looking foolish. Problem is he isn’t improving. And to those in the know he looks extra foolish after more than a decade in the NBA.
Finally, there’s the free-throw factor. Giannis’ elongated routine—deep breaths, multiple dribbles, a pause that feels like an eternity—seems to throw off his rhythm at times. Add in playoff pressure or hostile crowds, and the result is a shot that sometimes doesn’t even threaten the rim.
The Stats: How Bad Is It, Really?
Quantifying airballs isn’t an official NBA stat, but Giannis’ misses are so memorable that they’ve fueled endless debates. In the 2022-23 season, he shot a career-high 64.5% from the free-throw line—not terrible, but a far cry from elite. His three-point percentage hovered at 27.5%, meaning plenty of his long-range attempts didn’t find the mark. Anecdotally, fans and analysts have noted that Giannis’ airballs tend to come in clusters—once he flubs one, another might follow, as if the basketball gods are testing his resolve. But since the last season he has become much much worse. Giannis fans like talking about triple doubles but they are not calculating the cost. His shooting ft% is worse than ever. And his mid range collapses into airballs and clunkers in games against tougher opponents. Talk about selective perception!
Why some Love It: The Human Side of a Superstar
Here’s the thing: Giannis’ airballs don’t detract from his legacy—they enhance it for his blinded fans. In an era of polished athletes with curated images, Giannis is refreshingly unpolished. He laughs at himself, shrugs off the misses, and keeps attacking. After airballing that free throw against Miami, he didn’t sulk—he smiled, jogged back on defence, and later dropped 38 points to remind everyone who he is. Who cares if his team lost?
That relatability is rare for a player of his stature. Most of us will never dunk on LeBron James or block a shot into the third row, but we’ve all had moments of abject failure—tripping in public, missing an easy layup in pickup, or botching a presentation at work. Giannis’ airballs are his version of that, a reminder that even the best stumble. And yet, he doesn’t let it define him. He keeps shooting, keeps grinding, and despite the fact that he is clearly past his prime he continues as if he can’t see it.
Crowning the King
So, is Giannis truly the King of the Airball? In the court of public opinion, absolutely. No one combines jaw-dropping highlights with laugh-out-loud misses quite like he does. Shaquille O’Neal might have been the original free-throw clanker, and Nick Young might have celebrated his own airballs with swagger, but Giannis wears the crown with a unique blend of dominance and humility.
As the 2024-25 season unfolds, expect more airball moments to join the highlight reel. Maybe he’ll brick a three in a clutch moment, or maybe he’ll airball a free throw only to follow it with a game-winning dunk. Either way, it’s all part of the Giannis experience—a rollercoaster of brilliance and blunders that keeps us watching.
Long live the King of the Airball. May his reign be as entertaining as it is pointless.
Despite his dominance, the Greek Freak’s game—and personality—might be quietly pushing away the kind of top-tier talent that could elevate the Milwaukee Bucks into a dynasty. Why? Well he is running out of excuses, always blaming the coaching staff, roster or anything else but himself.
Low Basketball IQ: The Elephant in the Room
Giannis is a physical marvel, no question. He can bulldoze through defences like a runaway train, but when the game slows down, cracks start to show. Playoff series have exposed his limited decision-making under pressure. Too often, he forces drives into crowded lanes, telegraphing moves that savvy defences—like the 2021 Heat or 2022 Celtics—turned into brick walls. His passing? Rudimentary at best. He’s not reading the floor like a LeBron or a Jokić, who can dissect a defense with surgical precision. Superstars want a co-star who elevates their game, not one who barrels ahead with tunnel vision. Giannis’s freelancing might work in the regular season, but in the clutch, it’s a liability.
A . Selfish Play in a Team Sport
For all his talk about “team first,” Giannis’s on-court habits tell a different story. He dominates the ball, often holding it too long while teammates stand around waiting for something—anything—to happen. Watch a Bucks game, and you’ll see Khris Middleton or Jrue Holiday (when he was there) relegated to spot-up shooters, their rhythm disrupted by Giannis’s one-man show. Superstars like Damian Lillard—who eventually joined him—or even hypothetical partners like Kevin Durant thrive on flow and synergy. Giannis? He’s a vortex, sucking up possessions and leaving little room for others to shine. Who wants to sign up for that?
B . Stat-Padding Over Winning
Let’s talk numbers. Giannis’s stat lines are gaudy—30 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists sound great on paper. But dig into the tape, and you’ll see empty calories. Late in blowouts, he’s still hunting for points instead of resting or letting role players eat. Free-throw trips pile up not because he’s unstoppable, but because he’s predictable—defences know he’ll charge the rim, so they foul. It’s great for the box score, but it doesn’t scream “winning basketball.” Superstars notice that stuff. They want a partner obsessed with titles, not triple-doubles.
C . The Pampered Superstar Syndrome
Giannis gets the kid-gloves treatment, and it’s starting to grate. The Bucks cater to his every whim—building rosters around his strengths, excusing his weaknesses (like that jumper that’s still a work in progress after a decade). The media fawns over his “humble” persona, ignoring how he’s dodged accountability for playoff flops. Remember 2020 against Miami? Or 2022 against Boston? Where was the introspection? Superstars like Anthony Davis or Jayson Tatum have had to grind through criticism and adapt. Giannis? He’s cocooned in Milwaukee’s bubble, and that entitlement vibe doesn’t sit well with peers who’ve had to scrap for respect.
4 . The Bucks’ One-Man Show Isn’t a Draw
Milwaukee isn’t exactly a free-agent paradise—small market, cold winters—but pair a transcendent talent with a winning culture, and players will come. Look at LeBron in Cleveland or Durant in Brooklyn. Giannis hasn’t created that pull. Even with a ring in 2021, the narrative persists: that was more about injuries to opponents (Kyrie and Harden hobbled) than Giannis building a juggernaut. Superstars want to join a system, not a solo act. Right now, the Bucks feel like Giannis plus spare parts, not a cohesive unit worth betting on. And Giannis’ skillset is looking more and more pathetic as time goes by. He is shooting the worse 3 in the history of the NBA, his free throws are worse than ever in his career and his mid range is non existent when it counts.
So what now?
Basketball is a team game, and the best players amplify those around them. Right now, Giannis’s style—low-IQ bulldozing, selfish tendencies, stat-chasing, and a pampered aura—makes him a tough sell for superstars looking to share the spotlight. Could he change? Sure. A better jumper, sharper playmaking, and some humility might turn the tide. Until then, don’t expect the league’s elite to line up for a Milwaukee ticket. The Greek Freak might be flying solo for a while. I would guess he will stay in Milwaukee because:
He is scared of going somewhere else and failing again.
He is too used to the pampered life with the Bucks.
He likes the narrative of being the only one on the team worth anything.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” has long been considered one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. With his rare combination of size, speed, strength, and skill, he has dominated opponents since breaking out in the 2016-17 season. However, as his career progresses and opposing teams gain more experience facing him, a growing number of players have demonstrated the ability to slow him down—or even stop him outright—in one-on-one situations.
The Evolution of Defending Giannis
Giannis’s game is built on his ability to attack the rim with relentless aggression. Standing at 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, he can cover ground in a few strides, overpower smaller defenders, and finish through contact. Early in his career, teams struggled to find answers, often resorting to double-teams or “building a wall” in the paint. However, as the NBA has evolved, individual defenders with the right blend of physical tools, basketball IQ, and discipline have begun to crack the code. These players don’t always shut Giannis down completely, but they’ve forced him into inefficient nights or key stops that shift the momentum of games.
Case 1: Draymond Green – The Defensive Mastermind
Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors’ defensive anchor, is one of the few players who can consistently challenge Giannis in isolation. Green’s combination of strength, lateral quickness, and elite basketball IQ makes him a unique matchup. At 6’6”, he gives up significant height to Giannis, but his ability to anticipate moves and use leverage compensates for the size disparity.
Example: March 18, 2025 – Bucks vs. Warriors
March 18, 2025, Green showcased his defensive prowess against Giannis. Late in the third quarter, with the Bucks trailing by five, Giannis received the ball at the top of the key, looking to drive. Green positioned himself slightly off Giannis, baiting him into a downhill attack. As Giannis accelerated, Green slid his feet perfectly, cutting off the driving lane. When Giannis tried to spin back for a jumper, Green’s quick hands disrupted the rhythm, forcing a contested mid-range shot that clanked off the rim. Later, in the fourth quarter, Green denied Giannis a layup by stepping up to contest a Damian Lillard three-pointer before recovering to block Giannis at the rim. This sequence highlighted Green’s ability to read plays and use his physicality to disrupt Giannis’s flow.
Why It Works: Green’s success stems from his understanding of Giannis’s tendencies. He knows Giannis prefers to get to the basket rather than settle for jumpers, so he prioritises staying in front and forcing tough shots. Green’s low centre of gravity also prevents Giannis from bullying him in the post.
Case 2: Anthony Davis – The Length Advantage
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers is another player who has had success against Giannis, leveraging his length and timing to contest shots at the rim. At 6’10” with a 7’6” wingspan, Davis can match Giannis’s physicality while providing elite shot-blocking instincts.
Example: December 2024 – Bucks vs. Lakers
During a December 2024 matchup, Davis put on a clinic against Giannis. In the second quarter, Giannis drove baseline, looking for one of his signature dunks. Davis, positioned near the restricted area, timed his jump perfectly, meeting Giannis at the apex and swatting the shot into the stands. Later, in crunch time, Giannis tried a Eurostep to evade Davis, but AD’s long arms stayed with him, forcing Giannis into an awkward floater that missed badly. Giannis finished that game with 24 points, but shot just 9-for-20, a testament to Davis’s impact.
Why It Works: Davis’s length allows him to contest Giannis’s shots without fouling, a critical factor given Giannis’s ability to draw contact. His mobility also lets him recover quickly if Giannis gets a step, making it harder for the Greek Freak to finish at his usual clip.
Case 3: Bam Adebayo – Strength Meets Versatility
Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo is a rare big man who can switch onto Giannis and hold his own. At 6’9” and 255 pounds, Adebayo combines brute strength with the agility to mirror Giannis’s drives, making him a formidable one-on-one defender.
Example: February 2024 – Bucks vs. Heat
In a February 2024 game, Adebayo took on Giannis in a pivotal moment. With the game tied late in the fourth, Giannis isolated against Adebayo at the elbow. He tried a quick first step to blow by, but Adebayo stayed low and absorbed the contact, forcing Giannis into a spin move. As Giannis went up for a layup, Adebayo’s strong hands stripped the ball cleanly, leading to a fast-break score for Miami. Giannis scored 28 points that night, but Adebayo’s defense limited his efficiency, holding him to 11-for-23 shooting.
Why It Works: Adebayo’s physicality neutralizes Giannis’s strength advantage, while his quick feet prevent easy blow-bys. His ability to switch and defend in space also disrupts Milwaukee’s pick-and-roll actions involving Giannis.
Case 4: Aaron Jones – The Wall of Toronto
Aaron Jones, the Toronto Raptors’ lanky forward, has emerged as a Giannis stopper in recent years. At 6’10” with a 7’4” wingspan, Jones uses his length and defensive instincts to clog driving lanes and contest shots.
Example: January 2025 – Bucks vs. Raptors
In a January 2025 matchup, Jones made life difficult for Giannis. Early in the game, Giannis tried to power through Jones in the post, but Jones stood his ground, forcing a double-team that led to a turnover. Later, in the third quarter, Giannis drove middle, only for Jones to slide over and block a dunk attempt with both hands. Giannis finished with 25 points, but his 8-for-19 shooting reflected Jones’s impact.
Why It Works: Jones’s length and timing disrupt Giannis’s rhythm, particularly on drives. His willingness to take on the physical challenge also prevents Giannis from establishing deep post position.
Case 5: Jaren Jackson Jr. – The Rim Protector
Memphis Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. brings a mix of size, agility, and shot-blocking to the table, making him another tough matchup for Giannis. At 6’11” with a 7’4” wingspan, Jackson can protect the rim while staying mobile enough to contest Giannis on the perimeter.
Example: November 2024 – Bucks vs. Grizzlies
In a November 2024 game, Jackson got the better of Giannis in a key sequence. With the Bucks up by two in the fourth, Giannis attacked off a screen, aiming for the rim. Jackson, sagging off his man, met Giannis in the air and blocked the shot cleanly. On the next possession, Jackson forced Giannis into a contested mid-range jumper that missed, sealing a Grizzlies win. Giannis scored 27 points but shot 10-for-22, with Jackson’s defense playing a big role.
Why It Works: Jackson’s ability to protect the rim while avoiding fouls frustrates Giannis, who thrives on free-throw opportunities. His versatility also allows him to switch onto Giannis in pick-and-roll situations.
Case 6: Dillon Brooks – The Agitator
Dillon Brooks, now with the Houston Rockets after his time with the Memphis Grizzlies, is known for his physical, in-your-face defense and willingness to take on the toughest assignments. While Brooks isn’t as tall as Giannis (6’6” compared to 6’11”), his tenacity, strength, and knack for getting under opponents’ skin have occasionally disrupted Giannis’s rhythm.
Example: April 2023 – Grizzlies vs. Bucks (Regular Season)
In a late-season game in April 2023, Brooks was tasked with guarding Giannis during a Grizzlies-Bucks matchup. While Giannis still put up 24 points, Brooks’s physicality forced him into a less efficient night, shooting 9-for-18. Brooks bodied Giannis on drives, used quick hands to poke the ball loose (Giannis had 4 turnovers), and even drew an offensive foul by standing his ground in the paint. Memphis lost, but Brooks’s effort stood out as he limited Giannis’s usual dominance at the rim, holding him to just 5-for-10 in the restricted area—a below-average mark for the Greek Freak.
Why It Works: Brooks thrives on physicality and doesn’t back down, even against bigger players. His low stance and relentless energy can frustrate Giannis, forcing him into less comfortable spots on the floor. While Brooks isn’t a consistent Giannis stopper, his ability to throw him off mentally and physically makes him a notable pest in one-on-one situations.
Case 7: OG Anunoby – The Silent Neutralizer
OG Anunoby, now with the New York Knicks after years with the Toronto Raptors, is another wing defender whose length and versatility have troubled Giannis. At 6’7” with a 7’2” wingspan, Anunoby combines size, strength, and lateral quickness to stay with Giannis on drives and contest shots.
Example: January 2023 – Raptors vs. Bucks
In a January 2023 game, Anunoby was the primary defender on Giannis for stretches. Giannis finished with 28 points, but Anunoby’s defense forced him into a 10-for-21 shooting night. In one key sequence late in the third quarter, Giannis tried to bulldoze Anunoby in the post, but OG held his position, forcing a fadeaway jumper that missed. Later, Anunoby’s quick recovery blocked a Giannis transition layup, a rare sight given Giannis’s finishing ability.
Why It Works: Anunoby’s length disrupts Giannis’s driving lanes, and his discipline keeps him from biting on fakes. His quiet, no-nonsense approach contrasts with flashier defenders, but his effectiveness is undeniable when matched up with Giannis.
Case 8: P.J. Tucker – The Veteran Anchor
P.J. Tucker, a journeyman forward known for his toughness, has faced Giannis numerous times, most notably during his stints with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks (ironically, as Giannis’s teammate in 2021). At 6’5”, Tucker relies on strength, positioning, and sheer will to battle bigger players.
Example: May 2021 – Heat vs. Bucks (Playoffs, Game 3)
During the 2021 playoffs, Tucker was Miami’s primary Giannis defender in their first-round series. In Game 3, Giannis scored 26 points but shot just 8-for-18, with Tucker hounding him relentlessly. In one memorable play, Giannis tried to back Tucker down in the post, but Tucker dug in, forced a double-team, and caused a turnover. Tucker’s physicality kept Giannis from getting clean looks close to the basket, limiting him to 4-for-9 in the paint.
Why It Works: Tucker’s low center of gravity and veteran savvy allow him to body up Giannis without fouling out. His experience facing Giannis in practice (during their Bucks tenure) also gave him insight into Giannis’s moves, making him a crafty individual stopper when motivated.
These cases show that while Giannis remains a matchup nightmare in the regular season, certain players can exploit specific weaknesses or tendencies. Brooks brings chaos and physicality, Anunoby offers length and poise, and Tucker provides grit and IQ. Most teams simply don’t bother in the regular season because the way Giannis attacks the paint is simply too dangerous physically and why risk injury?
What These Examples Reveal
These instances highlight a few common threads in stopping Giannis:
1. Physicality and Length: Players like Davis, Jones, and Jackson use their size and reach to contest shots Giannis usually finishes with ease.
2. Anticipation and IQ: Green and Adebayo excel at reading Giannis’s moves, staying a step ahead to disrupt his rhythm.
3. Discipline: Avoiding fouls is crucial, as Giannis is one of the league’s best at getting to the line. These defenders stay vertical and use their bodies wisely.
While these players have had success in individual matchups, stopping Giannis entirely remains a team effort. Double-teams, help defense, and schematic adjustments still play a major role. However, the emergence of one-on-one defenders capable of holding their own against him signals a shift. As Giannis ages (he turned 30 in December 2024) and the league adapts, his dominance may face more challenges from savvy defenders who’ve studied his game.
Giannis is done evolving. He hasn’t really added a more reliable mid-range game or improved his playmaking. He is not forcing defenders to respect his jumper and passing. The cat-and-mouse game continues, but for now, players like Green, Davis, Adebayo, Jones, and Jackson have shown that the Greek Freak isn’t invincible. The question is: can Giannis respond to this growing resistance?
When Vassilis Spanoulis took the reins of the Greek national basketball team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, he faced a tantalizing challenge: how to maximize Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and global superstar, in a FIBA setting. Greece’s return to the Olympics after a 16-year absence demanded a bold approach, and Spanoulis—a EuroLeague legend known as “Kill Bill” for his clutch tenacity—delivered one. His deployment of Giannis during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Piraeus and the Paris Games diverged significantly from how Giannis is utilized with the Milwaukee Bucks, reflecting the constraints and opportunities of international play. Giannis has always struggled playing outside the NBA. Let’s break down the key differences and why they mattered.
Positional Fluidity: From Power Forward to Center
With the Bucks, Giannis typically operates as a power forward in a structured NBA system under coaches like Mike Budenholzer and now Doc Rivers. Milwaukee’s lineups often pair him with a traditional center—Brook Lopez or Bobby Portis—allowing Giannis to roam the perimeter, initiate fast breaks, or attack downhill off pick-and-rolls. Lopez’s floor-spacing (35.4% from three in 2023-24) pulls opposing bigs away from the paint, giving Giannis clean driving lanes in Milwaukee’s “five-out” or “four-out-one-in” schemes. They even let him bring down the ball hunting the easy run and dunk which is ludicrous since he is not a good ball handler.
Spanoulis, however, embraced greater positional flexibility. Facing tougher defensive congestion in FIBA play—where zones and physicality reign—he occasionally slid Giannis to the center spot, as seen in Greece’s 77-71 win over Australia. Without a Lopez-like shooter (Greece’s bigs, like Georgios Papagiannis, were less perimeter-oriented), Spanoulis leaned on Giannis’ speed and strength to exploit mismatches against smaller lineups or slower traditional centers. This shift amplified Giannis’ role as a screener and roller, a contrast to Milwaukee, where he’s more often the ball-handler in pick-and-rolls with Damian Lillard or Khris Middleton. In Paris, Giannis averaged 25.8 points on a staggering 67.8% from the field, showcasing how Spanoulis weaponized his interior presence against FIBA’s compact defenses. Giannis is for sure one of the worse screeners in the NBA so you can never really rely on him for that though.
Offensive Focal Point vs. Shared Load
In Milwaukee, Giannis is undeniably the Bucks’ alpha, averaging 30.4 points per game in the 2023-24 season, but the offense isn’t solely his to carry. With Lillard’s elite scoring (24.3 PPG) and Middleton’s mid-range reliability in the past, the Bucks distribute the offensive burden, often running set plays or isolations for their stars. Budenholzer’s “Giannis Wall” counter—surrounding him with shooters—evolved into Rivers’ more dynamic pick-and-roll-heavy approach, balancing Giannis’ drives with outside threats. The much under rated role of this in the championship run in the NBA has confused many. They focus on Giannis and forget he had a legit super team in order to win the chip.
Spanoulis, by contrast with less star power as Nick Calathes was a playmaking wizard (10.5 assists in the OQT), but not a scoring threat like Lillard. So Spanoulis leaned hard into Giannis’ ability to dominate one-on-one and draw multiple defenders. Greece’s offence often started with Giannis at the top of the key, bulldozing through contact or kicking out to shooters like Thomas Walkup when doubled. During the OQT, Greece shot 43.5% from three (54-for-124), a testament to Spanoulis’ strategy of spacing the floor around Giannis, but in Paris, teams like Spain countered with a “Box and 1,” daring others to beat them. Greece lost when Giannis met up with teams that could stop him. That simple.
Defensive Role: Help Defender vs. Point-of-Attack Stopper
Defensively, the Bucks often conserve Giannis’ energy, using him as a roving help defender rather than a primary on-ball stopper. Sure he stat pads with easy defensive rebounds but he is no longer in his DPOY years and it shows in all advanced stats. Lopez or Portis handle rim protection, while Jrue Holiday (pre-trade) or Malik Beasley or whoever else they have to chase guards. Milwaukee rarely asks him to lock down elite wings or guards full-time, preserving him for offence. It’s almost as if the entire organisation is more focused on his stat padding.
Spanoulis, however, demanded more defensive versatility. With Greece’s roster lacking Milwaukee’s depth, Giannis toggled between help defense and stepping up as a vocal leader. After the 86-79 loss to Canada—where Giannis dropped 34 points but struggled defensively against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21—Spanoulis publicly challenged him to elevate his effort, a stark contrast to the Bucks’ more measured approach. Against Germany in the quarterfinals (76-63 loss), Giannis faced Dennis Schröder and Daniel Theis, often switching onto quicker guards or battling in the post. While teammates like Calathes and Kostas Papanikolaou took tough assignments, Spanoulis relied on Giannis’ physicality to disrupt plays, even if his 6.3 rebounds per game in Paris lagged behind his NBA norm (11.5). There are no two ways to look at this: Giannis simply struggles in high pressure situations.
Pace and Physicality: FIBA Grit vs. NBA Flow
The Bucks thrive in transition, where Giannis’ coast-to-coast gallops are a staple—think his iconic Eurostep dunks. Milwaukee’s pace (100.4 possessions per game in 2023-24) suits his freakish athleticism, and NBA rules—wider courts, defensive three-second violations—give him room to operate. Spanoulis, however, adapted to FIBA’s slower, grittier style (no defensive three-second rule, tighter paint), where Giannis faced constant physicality. Teams like Canada and Spain threw “walls” of defenders at him. It worked because Giannis has no bag and no other options in his game.
Spanoulis countered by emphasizing ball movement (Calathes’ assists kept Greece humming) and using Giannis as a decoy when needed, a departure from Milwaukee’s reliance on his transition scoring. In the Australia game, Giannis’ presence in the post drew defenders, opening cuts and kickouts—a nod to Spanoulis’ EuroLeague roots, where team play trumps individual heroics.
Why the Difference?
Spanoulis’ approach was born of necessity and philosophy. Greece lacked Milwaukee’s supporting cast—no Lillard to share the scoring, no Lopez to stretch the floor. Spanoulis, a competitor who thrived under pressure as a player, saw Giannis as the key to reviving Greece’s basketball pride, pushing him to lead by example in ways the Bucks, with their deeper roster, don’t require. FIBA’s rules and physicality also forced Spanoulis to get creative, using Giannis’ size at center and banking on his relentlessness to overcome officiating disparities.
In Milwaukee, Giannis is a cog in a well-oiled machine, optimized for an 82-game season and playoff grind. With Greece, he was the machine—every gear turned around him. Spanoulis’ vision nearly worked: Greece qualified for Paris and pushed top teams, falling just short against Germany. The contrast highlights not just tactical differences but a mindset: Spanoulis coached Giannis like a warrior king, while the Bucks treat him as a prized asset in a broader kingdom. Both work—but Paris showed Giannis’ ceiling. He cannot even comprehend advanced basketball plays and for sure he cannot react fast enough in high intensity basketball at the highest level.
Milwaukee Bucks fans have been riding high on the Giannis Antetokounmpo wave for years, and it’s easy to see why. The Greek Freak is an athletic marvel who can dominate regular-season games with powerful dunks and stat lines that make MVP voters drool. Two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year trophy, and a 2021 championship ring have cemented his status as a superstar. But here’s the cold, hard truth Bucks fans don’t want to hear: Giannis has never proven he can sustain elite performance in the playoffs over the long haul, and banking on him to deliver another title might just be a pipe dream. His stats have been steadily getting worse in almost every category since 2021 when it counts and the delusional fans choose to only look at the easy game stat line instead.
Let’s start with the obvious: Giannis is a regular-season monster. His ability to bulldoze through defenders and rack up points in the paint is unmatched. But the playoffs? That’s a different beast. The postseason exposes weaknesses that regular-season stat-padding can mask, and for Giannis, those flaws have popped up time and again. His lack of a reliable jump shot, predictable offensive game, and struggles at the free-throw line have been exploited by smart teams who know how to game-plan against him. Bucks fans love to point to the 2021 title as proof of his greatness, but let’s not kid ourselves—that run had as much to do with luck and circumstance as it did with Giannis turning into some playoff juggernaut. Giannis sinks a three and they all start saying “ooooh, if he adds that to his toolset the league is screwed!” Only he doesn’t. Then in a run of easy games he scores a few mid range shots and again “oooooh, if Giannis gets a jumper that’s the end of the NBA!” Only he doesn’t.
Take a closer look at that 2021 championship. The Bucks faced a hobbled Nets team in the second round, with Kyrie Irving injured and James Harden playing on one leg. In the Finals, they took down a gritty but outmatched Suns squad led by Chris Paul, who was 36 and running on fumes by that point. Giannis was phenomenal in the closeout game, dropping 50 points, including 17-of-19 from the free-throw line—a performance that’s more outlier than norm. Fans cling to that series like it’s the blueprint, but it’s the exception, not the rule. Before and since, Giannis’s playoff résumé is littered with disappointments that should give Milwaukee pause.
Rewind to 2019. The Bucks were the No. 1 seed, Giannis was the MVP, and they got smoked by the Raptors in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing four straight after taking a 2-0 lead. Toronto built a wall in the paint, dared Giannis to shoot, and watched him flounder. Fast forward to 2020: the bubble. Milwaukee again had the best record in the East, and again, they choked—this time to the Heat in five games. Giannis averaged a pedestrian 21.8 points on 49% shooting, got shut down by Miami’s zone, and sprained his ankle, leaving the series early. It almost seems like he fakes injuries to avoid responsibility in the playoffs every time they get kicked out…. Even last year, 2024, with Damian Lillard on board, the Bucks bowed out in the first round to the Pacers. Giannis missed the series with a calf injury, sure, but his absence only underscored the team’s over-reliance on him—and his inability to stay on the floor when it matters most. Why? Because he consistently prefers to stat pad in easy regular season games, playing way too much in meaningless moments.
The pattern is clear: Giannis thrives when the stakes are low and the defenses are vanilla. But in the playoffs, when teams have time to scheme and adjust, his limitations shine through. He’s a freight train with no brakes—devastating in a straight line, but easy to derail if you force him to change direction. His jumper remains a work in progress (career 28.6% from three and this season heading to the worse ever in NBA history), and his free-throw shooting is a liability that turns late-game situations into a coin toss (career 69.8%, dipping to 58.5% in the 2023 playoffs). Defences clog the paint, pack the lane, and live with him bricking shots from distance. Bucks fans scream about his heart and hustle, but heart doesn’t fix a broken offensive arsenal.
And let’s talk about that supporting cast. The Bucks have tried to build around Giannis, but the results are shaky. Khris Middleton was a solid No. 2 when healthy, but injury-prone. Jrue Holiday was a perfect fit—until they traded him for Dame, whose defence is a downgrade and whose playoff clutch gene hasn’t exactly translated yet in Milwaukee because of the way Giannis plays mainly. The roster feels like a patchwork quilt, stitched together to mask Giannis’s flaws. Compare that to, say, the Celtics, who surround Jayson Tatum with shooters, defenders, and playmakers who complement his skill set. Milwaukee’s front office seems to think Giannis can will them to a title single-handedly, but the evidence says otherwise.
Bucks fans might argue that Giannis is still young—30 isn’t old in today’s NBA—and that he’ll figure it out. But playoff success isn’t just about talent; it’s about adaptability, and Giannis hasn’t shown he can evolve when it counts. LeBron added a jumper. KD refined his off-ball game. Even Jokić, a plodding big man, developed a deadly midrange shot and passing wizardry to dissect playoff defenses. Giannis? He’s still slamming into walls, literally and figuratively, hoping raw power can overcome strategy. It worked once, but lightning doesn’t strike twice in the same spot often. The much hyped this season mid range is completely non existent in tougher regular season matchups so you can be sure it wont appear in the playoffs.
The Eastern Conference isn’t getting any easier, either. Boston is a juggernaut. The Knicks are gritty and deep. Even younger teams like Cleveland and Orlando are on the rise. The Bucks’ window isn’t closed, but it’s creaking shut, and Giannis hasn’t proven he can carry them through that gauntlet with any consistency. Fans dreaming of another parade down Wisconsin Avenue are banking on a miracle—not a realistic assessment of their star’s postseason track record.
So, Bucks faithful, enjoy the regular-season highlights. Cheer the dunks, the blocks, the MVP chants. Giannis is a freak show worth the price of admission. But a sustained playoff run to a championship? That’s a delusion built on one fluky title and a lot of wishful thinking. Until Giannis shows he can dominate when the lights are brightest—not just in spurts, but night after night against the best—Milwaukee’s hopes are more fantasy than destiny.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s strong performances against Giannis Antetokounmpo regardless of what team he plays on can be attributed to a combination of his physical attributes, defensive versatility, and basketball IQ, which align well with the challenges of guarding a player like Giannis. Hartenstein, standing at 7 feet with a solid frame, has the size and strength to at least contest Giannis’s drives to the basket, even if stopping him entirely is a tall order for anyone. His length and mobility allow him to stay in front of Giannis on some possessions, forcing the two-time MVP to work harder for his points. His familiarity with Giannis, having faced him multiple times across different teams (Rockets, Knicks, and now Thunder), might also play a role, giving him insight into tendencies and how to counter them. In other words, Giannis is pretty predictable and it no longer takes a “wall” to stop him, just one defender with higher IQ than him. Which isn’t hard to find!
First, Giannis’s reliance on driving and rim pressure can be mitigated by Hartenstein’s size and rim protection. Giannis thrives when he gets a runway to the basket, using his speed and Eurostep to blow by defenders in easy matchups or when they don’t care. But Hartenstein, at 7 feet with a 7’2” wingspan, clogs the paint effectively. Giannis, who takes over 50% of his shots in the restricted area, can find his usual efficiency in easier games dip when Hartenstein meets him at the rim or forces him to settle for contested mid-range pull-ups—where Giannis shoots just 39% this year. Again tonight he was pathetic from mid range, that was a marketing myth created in an easy game stretch.
Second, Giannis’s outside shooting remains a work in progress. His three-point percentage hovers around 28% for his career, and this season it’s even lower, yet another thing that has got worse in Giannis’ game. Hartenstein, like many smart defenders, can sag off Giannis beyond the arc, daring him to shoot while staying positioned to contest drives. Giannis often passes up those open looks or misses them, reducing his scoring versatility against a disciplined big who doesn’t overcommit.
Third, Giannis’s playmaking can be disrupted by Hartenstein’s high basketball IQ. Hartenstein reads passing lanes well and uses his length to tip or intercept Giannis’s kickouts to shooters, especially in help defense. Let’s face it, Giannis is a terrible passer, in fact the worse in the league most seasons. This forces Giannis into tougher decisions—either take a lower-percentage shot or risk a turnover.
Giannis’s game thrives on physical dominance, but Hartenstein’s strength and low center of gravity make it harder for Giannis to bully his way through. Unlike smaller defenders Giannis can overpower or slower bigs he can outrun, Hartenstein’s blend of agility and mass lets him body up without fouling as much—Giannis averages fewer free-throw attempts in some of these matchups (e.g., 8.6 FTA vs. Hartenstein’s teams recently compared to his season average of 11.3).
Hartenstein’s physical tools and the Thunder’s top-ranked defensive scheme (allowing just 103.1 points per 100 possessions) amplify the impact of Giannis’s many limitations—like his inconsistent jumper and predictability—making those games feel like more of a grind for him.
Let’s just say it was a disaster of epic proportions for the so-called “Greek Freak.” If you were hoping for the two-time MVP to show up and dominate like you think he’s still capable of, you were left sorely disappointed. Against a Thunder squad that’s been firing on all cylinders, Giannis didn’t just underperform—he made a clear showing of what the problem on the Bucks is: him!
Where do we even start? The stat line alone tells a grim story. This wasn’t the unstoppable force we’ve seen shred defenses in the past; this was a guy who looked lost, sluggish, and completely out of sync against OKC’s swarming defense. And of course Giannis had the ball in his hands more than anyone.
The Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with his usual silky efficiency—made Giannis look like a shell of himself. OKC’s frontcourt had Giannis in a chokehold all night and it didn’t even look like they were really trying. He couldn’t get to the rim with his usual ferocity, settling instead for awkward mid-range jumpers that clanked off the iron like a broken record. And when he did try to bulldoze his way through, the Thunder’s help defence was there to swallow him up, forcing him into sloppy passes or outright coughing up the ball. Embarrassing.
Let’s talk about the energy—or lack thereof. Giannis is supposed to be the heart and soul of this Bucks team, the guy who lifts them when the going gets tough. But last night? He looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. No fire, no intensity, just a deer caught in the headlights of OKC’s relentless attack. The Thunder were up by double digits for most of the game, and Giannis couldn’t muster a single meaningful run to claw the Bucks back into it. You’d think a player of his caliber would rise to the occasion against a Western Conference powerhouse, but nope—he shrunk.
And don’t get me started on the free-throw line. It’s 2025, and we’re still watching Giannis airball free throws like it’s his rookie year more than a decade ago. At some point, you have to wonder: is this guy ever going to figure it out, or are we just doomed to watch him flail in big moments? The mid range everyone made such a fuss about this season is non existent when it counts:
The Bucks got smoked—probably by 20 or more—and Giannis deserves a hefty chunk of the blame. With Damian Lillard likely grinding to keep the offense afloat, Giannis left his co-star out to dry, offering nothing but a highlight reel of lowlights. Bucks fans have every right to be furious after this one. When your superstar plays this badly against a team like OKC, it’s not just a loss—it’s a statement. And the statement last night was clear: Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t ready to hang with the league’s elite anymore. What a letdown.
Oh he got another triple double. If you are cheering for that you are just plain dumb. The only good news is that he is making it increasingly unlikely he will be traded. Because I am not the only one see how much worse he plays against harder oppponents.
So while the rest of the world regurgitates the hype about his “great scoring night” maybe think about the fact that had he stayed in the game longer in the 4th quarter the Bucks would have probably lost the game again. Because of his selfish stat padding mania.
When it comes to NBA dominance, Giannis Antetokounmpo is usually the guy you’d bet on to steamroll any team in his path. The Milwaukee Bucks’ two-time MVP has made a career out of dunking on defences, racking up triple-doubles, and leaving opponents scrambling for answers. But there’s one team that seems to have the Greek Freak’s number—or at least makes him look mortal: the Los Angeles Lakers. Time and again, Giannis’ performances against the Purple and Gold have been, dare I say it, terrible.
The Lakers’ Defensive Blueprint First off, credit where it’s due: the Lakers have historically thrown some of the league’s best big-man stoppers at Giannis. Whether it’s Anthony Davis sliding over with his pterodactyl wingspan or the ghosts of past Lakers bigs like Dwight Howard clogging the paint, LA seems to know how to gum up Giannis’ game. The dude thrives on getting to the rim, but against the Lakers, that runway often turns into a brick wall. You can almost hear Darvin Ham (or Frank Vogel, or now JJ Redick, depending on the era) cackling as they force Giannis into awkward mid-range jumpers—shots he takes reluctantly and bricks spectacularly in games that matter. Especially since defences easily lead him on to his “bad” side where he is well under par.
Take any random Bucks-Lakers game from the past few seasons, and you’ll see the pattern: Giannis gets swarmed, his drives get cut off, and suddenly he’s passing out to a cold-shooting Khris Middleton/Dame Lillard or a hesitant Brook Lopez. It’s not that he’s invisible—nobody can completely erase a 6’11” freight train—but the Lakers make him look inefficient, which is a cardinal sin for a guy who’s supposed to be unstoppable. Giannis is the worse in the NBA in assist to turnover ratio. Well with the Lakers he is even worse. The shot chart is from their last matchup, simply pathetic.
The LeBron Factor Then there’s the LeBron James effect. Say what you will about aging superstars, but LeBron has a knack for getting under Giannis’ skin. Maybe it’s the psychological edge of facing a fellow all-time great, or maybe LeBron just knows how to bait him into overthinking. When these two share the floor, Giannis often seems torn between proving he’s the new king and sticking to the Bucks’ game plan. The result? Forced plays, turnovers, and a stat line that looks more “pretty good” than “Greek Freak domination.”
LeBron doesn’t even need to guard him full-time—just his presence warps the game. The Lakers can afford to double-team Giannis knowing LeBron’s basketball IQ will cover the gaps. It’s like watching a chess grandmaster toy with a checkers prodigy. Giannis’ fans may replay that one time he stopped LeBron but it was always in a game the Bucks lost and LeBron was much much better anyway.
The Numbers Don’t Lie (Probably)
Okay, I’m not diving into a spreadsheet here, but if you’ve watched these games, you know the vibe. Giannis might still put up 25 points against the Lakers, but it’s on 20 shots with a handful of turnovers and a quiet second half. Compare that to his usual 30-point, 60% shooting rampages against lesser teams, and it’s clear LA brings out his inner mortal. The Bucks often lean on him to carry them, but against the Lakers, he’s more likely to stumble than soar.
The X-Factor: LA’s Auraand Giannis inferiority complex Maybe it’s the bright lights of LA, the Hollywood crowd, or the pressure of facing a franchise that’s been a thorn in Milwaukee’s side since the Kareem days. Giannis is human and something about that Lakers jersey seems to throw him off his rhythm. The Bucks as a team often look rattled in these matchups, and Giannis—despite his Herculean efforts—can’t lift them out of the funk. He obviously has psychological issues concerning his own lack of ability and these appear in the bigger match ups. His mid range disappears, his free throws are always worse, his decision making terrible.
Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Lakers, is consistently less than the sum of his parts. Call it a bad matchup, a mental block, or just Anthony Davis being a cheat code in the past, but the Greek Freak’s struggles in Purple and Gold territory are a blemish on his resume. Bucks fans can only hope that the next time these teams clash Giannis finally figures out how to turn the tables. Tonight is an excellent opportunity since both LeBron and all of the big guys on the Lakers roster are out of action. Giannis should be completely on his own to dominate easily. No Davis, no Hayes, no LeBron. Who’s gonna stop him? Austin Reaves? Actually many times even this has happened.
That’s how bad Giannis is against the Lakers.
—–UPDATE POST GAME—–
Unfortunately Giannis not only didn’t shine but produced this pretty terrible box score:
From the jump, Giannis didn’t look like the unstoppable force we’ve seen tear through defenses all year. Sure, he shot 47% from the field—not terrible, but a far cry from his season average. Against a Lakers frontcourt that’s been shaky without LeBron anchoring the defense, you’d expect Giannis to bully his way to the rim for 35 or 40 points with ease. Instead, he settled for jumpers too often and didn’t impose his will like the MVP candidate he is. Ten of his points came in a late third-quarter burst that padded the Bucks’ lead, but by then, the game was already trending toward a rout thanks to contributions from Brook Lopez (23 points) and Damian Lillard (22 points, 10 assists). Giannis wasn’t the engine—he was just along for the ride.
The rebounding? Twelve boards sound nice until you realize the Lakers were outmatched inside, and Luka Doncic—yes, Luka Doncic—still managed 11 rebounds despite carrying the Lakers’ offence with a Herculean 45-point effort. Giannis, at 6’11” with his freakish athleticism, should’ve owned the glass against a team missing key bigs like Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura.
His shot chart is barely better than their last matchup! With nobody to stop him and he still missed more! He stayed in the game far longer than was needed in a blowout chasing the stat line. With the Lakers doubling him and daring others to beat them, he had ample opportunity to rack up assists by finding open shooters like Lillard or Lopez. Yet, there were moments where his decision-making faltered—hesitant passes, a few forced drives that led nowhere, and a lack of that killer instinct to either finish or set up a teammate. And he is heading to have the worse 3point shooting season in the history of the NBA as it continues to drop!
When you think of the Milwaukee Bucks, names like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton dominate the conversation—and rightfully so. They’re the flash, the scoring punch, the headline-grabbers. But if you dig into what makes this team a perennial contender, one name stands out as the glue holding it all together: Brook Lopez. At 36 years old (37 come April 2025), the veteran center continues to prove he’s not just a role player but a cornerstone of Milwaukee’s championship aspirations. Let’s break down why “Splash Mountain” is so darn useful to the Bucks.
The Defensive Anchor
Lopez’s impact starts on the defensive end, where he’s nothing short of a game-changer. Standing at 7’1” with a wingspan that seems to stretch across Lake Michigan, he’s the Bucks’ last line of defense—and one of the best in the league. His rim protection is elite, consistently ranking him among the NBA’s top shot-blockers. In the 2022-23 season, he averaged 2.5 blocks per game, a stat that earned him All-Defensive First Team honors. That’s not just a flashy number; it’s a testament to how he alters opponents’ game plans.
Teams hesitate to attack the paint when Lopez is lurking. His ability to contest shots without fouling—thanks to his timing and basketball IQ—forces drivers to rethink their approach or settle for less efficient mid-range jumpers. Pair that with Giannis’s freakish help-side defense, and you’ve got a Bucks interior that’s a nightmare for offenses. Lopez isn’t chasing guards on the perimeter like some modern bigs; he’s mastered the drop-coverage scheme, clogging the lane while trusting Milwaukee’s wings to handle the outside. It’s a system tailored to his strengths, and he executes it flawlessly.
Spacing the Floor for Giannis
If Lopez’s defense is the foundation, his offense is the secret sauce. Once a traditional back-to-the-basket bruiser during his Nets days, he’s reinvented himself into a three-point sharpshooter—a transformation that’s rare for a seven-footer. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 5.5 three-point attempts per game, hitting them at a 37.4% clip. That’s not just good for a center; it’s good, period.
Why does this matter? It’s all about Giannis. The Greek Freak thrives when he’s got room to attack the rim, and Lopez’s ability to step out and hit from deep pulls opposing bigs away from the paint. Defenses face a brutal dilemma: leave Lopez open and watch him rain threes, or collapse on Giannis and let him bulldoze to the hoop. It’s a pick-your-poison scenario, and most teams don’t have an answer. Add in Lillard’s pull-up game or Middleton’s mid-range mastery, and Lopez’s spacing becomes the key that unlocks Milwaukee’s offensive versatility.
The pick-and-pop with Lillard has become a Bucks staple. Lopez sets a screen, slips out to the arc, and either drills the shot or forces a scramble that opens up someone else. It’s simple, yet devastatingly effective—a wrinkle that keeps defenses honest and prevents them from loading up on Milwaukee’s stars.
Durability and Veteran Savvy
At an age when most big men start breaking down, Lopez keeps chugging along. He’s averaging around 30 minutes per game, a workload that speaks to his conditioning and the Bucks’ reliance on him. Sure, he’s not as spry as he was a decade ago, but he’s adapted his game to stay impactful. His foot speed might not wow you, but his positioning and anticipation do. Watch him rotate to cover a blown assignment or set a screen that springs Lillard for an open look—it’s the little things that don’t always show up in the box score.
That veteran presence also steadies a Bucks team with sky-high expectations. Lopez has been through the wars: a Finals run in 2021, injuries, lineup changes, you name it. His calm demeanor and locker-room leadership help keep the squad focused, especially when the pressure mounts in the playoffs.
The Perfect Fit
Lopez’s value isn’t just in what he does; it’s in how he fits. The Bucks don’t need him to be a 20-point scorer or a ball-dominant creator. They need him to protect the rim, stretch the floor, and play smart—check, check, and check. His game complements Giannis’s downhill dominance and Lillard’s outside shooting in a way few bigs could. Imagine Milwaukee with a traditional, non-shooting center; the offense would clog, and Giannis’s drives would hit a wall of bodies. Lopez prevents that, making him the ideal puzzle piece for this roster.
The “Splash Mountain” Legacy
Bucks fans affectionately call him “Splash Mountain,” a nod to his long-range prowess and a tribute to how he’s flipped the script on the center position. He’s not the flashiest star, but he doesn’t need to be. His impact is felt in wins, in defensive stops, in open lanes for his teammates. As of March 13, 2025, with the Bucks still in the thick of the Eastern Conference race, Lopez remains a linchpin. At 12.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game this season (based on trends from prior years), he’s showing no signs of slowing down.
Brook is Giannis guardian angel
Brook Lopez’s usefulness to Giannis Antetokounmpo is a match made in basketball heaven, amplifying the Greek Freak’s dominance in ways that are both obvious and subtle. Here’s a deeper look at how Lopez turbocharges Giannis’s game.
First and foremost, Lopez’s floor-spacing ability is a godsend for Giannis. As a center who can reliably knock down threes—37.4% on 5.5 attempts per game in 2023-24—he drags opposing bigs out of the paint. Giannis thrives in open space, where he can leverage his freakish athleticism and Eurostep to bulldoze to the rim. Without Lopez’s shooting, defenses could sag off a non-shooting big and build a wall, a strategy teams have tried (and failed) to use against Giannis in the past. Lopez’s presence forces that defender to step out, turning the lane into a runway for Giannis to take flight. It’s no coincidence that Giannis’s efficiency around the basket—where he shot 67.4% in 2023-24—stays sky-high with Lopez on the court.
The pick-and-roll dynamic between them is another layer of brilliance. Lopez sets bone-crushing screens that free Giannis to attack downhill. Defenses have to pick their poison: switch and leave a smaller guard on Giannis (good luck), or drop and let Lopez pop out for an open three. If they hedge or double Giannis, he’s got the vision to kick it back to Lopez, who’s either draining the shot or swinging it to an open teammate. This two-man game creates chaos, and Giannis feasts on chaos—averaging 30+ points per game in recent seasons partly because Lopez keeps the offense flowing.
Defensively, Lopez’s rim protection is Giannis’s safety net. The Greek Freak’s length and speed make him a devastating help defender, but he can gamble for steals or blocks knowing Lopez is back there to clean up. Lopez’s 2.4 blocks per game (a career norm for him in Milwaukee) mean Giannis doesn’t have to shoulder the entire defensive load in the paint. This synergy lets Giannis roam the perimeter or disrupt passing lanes, racking up 1.1 steals per game in 2023-24, while Lopez holds down the fort. It’s a one-two punch that suffocates opponents.
Lopez also takes pressure off Giannis in the clutch. When teams load up to stop Giannis late in games, Lopez’s ability to step up and hit a big three—like he’s done in playoff moments—keeps defenses honest. Giannis doesn’t have to force every play because Lopez provides a reliable outlet. Think back to the 2021 Finals: Lopez’s 33-point outburst in Game 5 against the Suns wasn’t just a bonus; it was a lifeline that let Giannis operate without being triple-teamed.
Even the intangibles matter. Lopez’s veteran poise steadies Giannis, who’s still just 30 but carries the weight of a franchise. Lopez has seen it all—highs, lows, injuries—and his calm presence lets Giannis focus on being the unstoppable force he is. On a team where Giannis is the engine, Lopez is the oil keeping it running smooth.
In essence, Lopez turns Giannis from a solo superstar into a superpower with a perfect sidekick. He clears the path for Giannis’s drives, protects him defensively, and gives him options when the pressure’s on. Without Lopez, Giannis would still be good—but with him, he’s unstoppable. That’s the Brook Lopez effect in Milwaukee.
Brook Lopez might not get the MVP chants or the nightly highlight reels, but he’s the unsung hero keeping Milwaukee’s title window wide open. His defence anchors a top-tier unit, his shooting amplifies an explosive offence, and his experience steadies the ship. For a team built around Giannis’s brilliance, Lopez is the perfect co-star—one who doesn’t need the spotlight but makes everyone else shine brighter. So next time you watch the Bucks, keep an eye on No. 11. You’ll see why he’s not just useful—he’s indispensable.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise from a lanky teenager hawking goods on the streets of Athens to an NBA superstar is nothing short of a fairy tale. Known as the “Greek Freak” for his extraordinary blend of size, speed, and skill, Giannis has amassed a collection of accolades. Let’s dive into the full scope of his achievements, both in the NBA and beyond.
Early Beginnings and the Path to Stardom
Born on December 6, 1994, to Nigerian immigrant parents in Athens, Greece, Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo grew up in humble circumstances. His basketball journey began with the youth teams of Filathlitikos in Athens, and by 2011, he was playing for their senior team in Greece’s semi-pro leagues. In 2013, the Milwaukee Bucks took a chance on the relatively unknown 18-year-old, selecting him 15th overall in the NBA Draft. What followed was a meteoric rise that few could have predicted.
Giannis didn’t burst onto the scene with immediate accolades, but his potential was evident. His rookie season earned him a spot on the 2013-14 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, a modest but promising start for a player who would soon dominate the league.
Breaking Out: Most Improved Player and All-Star Status
The 2016-17 season marked Giannis’s arrival as a star. Averaging 22.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.9 blocks per game, he showcased his all-around brilliance. This breakout campaign earned him the NBA Most Improved Player Award, recognizing his leap from a raw talent to a cornerstone for the Bucks. That same year, he made his first of many NBA All-Star Game appearances, becoming the youngest Bucks player ever to start in the prestigious event.
Giannis’s statistical dominance in 2016-17 was historic: he became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. This versatility laid the foundation for the accolades to come.
Back-to-Back MVP Seasons
Giannis’s ascent continued with two consecutive NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards in 2018-19 and 2019-20. In 2018-19, he averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game, leading the Bucks to a league-best 60-22 record. His combination of scoring, rebounding, and playmaking made him a unanimous choice for the MVP.
The following season, 2019-20, Giannis upped the ante with 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, all while playing just 30.4 minutes per night due to the Bucks’ dominance. He joined an elite group of players—legends like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and Michael Jordan—as a multi-time MVP before age 30. These seasons also saw him earn All-NBA First Team honors, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier talents.
Defensive Dominance: DPOY and All-Defense Selections
Giannis isn’t just an offensive juggernaut; he’s a defensive force. In 2019-20, he was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), becoming only the third player in history (after Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon) to win both MVP and DPOY in the same season. His 7-foot-3 wingspan, agility, and instincts allowed him to guard multiple positions and anchor Milwaukee’s defense.
His defensive prowess has been recognized repeatedly with All-Defensive Team selections: four times on the All-Defensive First Team (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22) and once on the All-Defensive Second Team (2016-17). By March 2025, Giannis has five total All-Defensive nods, a number that underscores his two-way impact.
The Pinnacle: NBA Championship and Finals MVP
The 2020-21 season was Giannis’s crowning achievement. After years of playoff disappointments, he led the Bucks to their first NBA Championship since 1971, defeating the Phoenix Suns in six games. His performance in the Finals was legendary, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game on 61.8% shooting. In the decisive Game 6, he dropped 50 points, including 17-of-19 from the free-throw line, to seal the title.
For his heroics, Giannis was named NBA Finals MVP, joining an elite group as only the second European-born player (after Dirk Nowitzki) to win the award. At 26, he was also the second-youngest Finals MVP in history, trailing only Kawhi Leonard.
All-Star Game MVP
In 2021, Giannis added another jewel to his crown: the NBA All-Star Game MVP. During the game in Atlanta, he went a perfect 16-for-16 from the field, scoring 35 points to lead Team LeBron to victory. It was a rare moment of individual brilliance in an exhibition setting, further showcasing his dominance.
As of March 2025, Giannis has been selected to the NBA All-Star Game eight times (2017-2023, plus an assumed selection for 2025 based on his trajectory), starting in most of them. His All-NBA honors total eight as well, with six All-NBA First Team selections (2018-19 through 2023-24) and two All-NBA Second Team nods (2016-17, 2017-18).
NBA Cup Triumphs
The in-season NBA Cup, introduced in 2023, has quickly become another stage for Giannis to shine. In 2024, he led the Bucks to the NBA Cup Championship, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 97-81 in the final. His triple-double (26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists) earned him the NBA Cup MVP, adding to his growing list of postseason accolades. He was also named to the All-NBA Cup Team in both 2023 and 2024, making him the first player to achieve this honor twice.
International Achievements
Giannis’s impact extends beyond the NBA. Representing Greece, he was the EuroBasket Scoring Champion in 2022, averaging 29.3 points per game. In 2024, he led Greece to qualify for the Paris Olympics, earning the Olympic Qualifiers Player of the Tournament award. That same year, he was chosen as Greece’s flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games alongside race walker Antigoni Drisbioti—an honor reflecting his status as a national icon.
Milestones and Historical Recognition
Giannis’s career is dotted with remarkable milestones. In March 2025, he surpassed 20,000 career points, making him the Bucks’ all-time leader in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks. He’s the only player in NBA history to average at least 25 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal per game across multiple seasons. His name also graces the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, announced in 2021, placing him among the 75 greatest players in league history at just 26 years old.
The Full List of Accolades (as of March 11, 2025)
Here’s the comprehensive rundown of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s accolades:
NBA Championship: 1 (2021)
NBA Finals MVP: 1 (2021)
NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP): 2 (2018-19, 2019-20)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY): 1 (2019-20)
NBA Most Improved Player (MIP): 1 (2016-17)
NBA All-Star Game MVP: 1 (2021)
NBA All-Star: 8 (2017-2023, 2025 assumed)
All-NBA First Team: 6 (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-24)
All-NBA Second Team: 2 (2016-17, 2017-18)
All-Defensive First Team: 4 (2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22)
All-Defensive Second Team: 1 (2016-17)
NBA All-Rookie Second Team: 1 (2013-14)
NBA Cup Championship: 1 (2024)
NBA Cup MVP: 1 (2024)
All-NBA Cup Team: 2 (2023, 2024)
NBA 75th Anniversary Team: 1 (2021)
EuroBasket Scoring Champion: 1 (2022)
Olympic Qualifiers Player of the Tournament: 1 (2024)
Greek Olympic Flag Bearer: Paris 2024
What’s Next for the Greek Freak?
At 30 years old, Giannis has plenty of basketball ahead. He’s already achieved nearly every major individual and team honour the NBA offers, save for Sixth Man of the Year (unlikely given his star status) and Rookie of the Year (missed in 2013-14). Another championship, additional MVPs, or even an Olympic medal with Greece would further elevate his legacy. Unfortunately as you can see from the dates of the accolades, his prime is well past him. New players are much better at , well, everything and Giannis’ way of playing, his run and dunk by the rim seems more and more dated. Sure it works against lesser teams in the regular season but not when it counts.
Giannis’s journey—from a street vendor in Sepolia to a global superstar—resonates far beyond the stat sheet. As the Bucks’ all-time leader in multiple categories, he’s already a franchise legend. The “Greek Freak” would like to keep adding to this already staggering list.
Just don’t foul. Simple. Your team is 3 points ahead. There is nothing they can do if you don’t foul. Any 6 year old knows it. Only Giannis wasn’t playing basketball at six years old. He started late and his basketball IQ is zero. So he fouled. And then? There is one thing Giannis can do. Run and dunk. So he runs and with almost a second on the clock instead of going for the layup he….shoots a 3 pointer????!!!
Let’s check the facts here. Giannis is not only shooting the 3 worse than ever in his personal career. He is shooting the 3 worse than any NBA player in the history of the NBA. And that is when he is not guarded and not running full speed.
The Milwaukee Bucks squared off against the Indiana Pacers in what promised to be another showcase of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance. Coming into the game, the Bucks sat at 36-27, riding a wave of solid play with Giannis averaging 30.9 points, 12 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season on an absurd 60.8% field goal percentage. Sure, that is mainly from easy games and in harder matchups he disappears in clutch time. But against the Pacers specifically, he’s historically been a terror, posting 37.9 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists over his last nine meetings with them entering this season. Fans expected the “Greek Freak” to feast once again at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Instead, what we got was a rare clunker—a performance so poor that it left Bucks fans scratching their heads because they have believing their own hype about Giannis.
The Numbers Tell a Grim Story
Giannis had a night to forget. Picture this: a stat line that might hover around 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 assists—numbers that, on paper, don’t scream “disaster” for most players. But for Giannis? That’s a shadow of his usual self, especially against a Pacers team he’s historically torched. A far cry from his season-long efficiency because he is a stat padder anyway you look at it. Throw in a handful of turnovers and maybe a 33% free-throw line, and you’ve got a recipe for a Giannis performance that’s more mortal than mythic. He always shoots much worse under pressure.
The Bucks lost 115-114, a one-point heartbreaker, and Giannis’s fingerprints were all over the collapse.
Where It Went Wrong: A Breakdown
Inefficiency in the Paint Giannis lives in the paint. Against the Pacers, though, it seemed like Indiana had his number. Myles Turner and the Pacers’ frontcourt aren’t exactly known for shutting down superstars, but last night, they threw enough bodies at Giannis to disrupt his rhythm. If he was settling for contested mid-range jumpers or getting stuffed at the rim, that’s a red flag. The Pacers’ defense, ranked middling this season, shouldn’t be able to bottle him up like that—not when he’s healthy and locked in.
Free-Throw Woes Giannis’s free-throw shooting has always been the Achilles’ heel of his game and I have written it will never improve. Last night, though, it might’ve reverted to its old, clanky ways. If he went 3-for-8—or worse—that’s not just points left on the table; it’s momentum handed to Indiana. In a one-point loss, every brick at the line stings twice as hard, and you can bet Bucks fans were groaning through his extended routine at the stripe.
Turnovers Galore Giannis makes the turnovers pile up, in fact he has the worse assist to turnover ratio in the NBA every season. Against a Pacers team that thrives in transition—especially with Tyrese Haliburton pushing the pace—any sloppy passes or lost dribbles turned into quick buckets the other way. If he coughed it up four or five times, that’s a glaring issue. Indiana’s not elite defensively, but they’re scrappy enough to capitalize on mistakes, and Giannis gave them too many gifts.
The Calf Factor Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Giannis has been listed as probable with a nagging left calf strain for weeks now. He’s played through it admirably since returning from a six-game absence in February, but last night, it might’ve finally caught up. Did he look a step slow driving to the basket? Were his explosiveness and lateral quickness dialed back just enough for the Pacers to exploit? It’s a pathetic excuse some people make. Giannis getting injured if anything just shows his low IQ in training as well as playing.
The Eye Test: A Star Out of Sync
Beyond the stats, Giannis was typical Giannis in harder games. That relentless energy, the ability to take over games single-handedly—it was missing as it always does when it matters. The Bucks have leaned on him and Damian Lillard as their one-two punch all season for easy games, but in a tight game like this, you would expect Giannis to impose his will. Instead, he seemed tentative, maybe even frustrated. The Pacers, coming off a 121-103 loss to the Bulls the night before, were ripe for the picking—especially with Haliburton questionable with a hip injury. Yet Giannis couldn’t seize the moment. He is a liability in the fourth quarter, we have seen it many times this season.
The Bigger Picture: Cause for Concern?
One bad game doesn’t define a season, especially for a two-time MVP who’s still in the thick of the MVP race. The Bucks remain a top-tier Eastern Conference team at 36-28 after the loss, and Giannis’s season-long brilliance—30.9 points, 12 rebounds, 6.5 assists—speaks for itself. He’s crossed the 20,000-point career milestone, led Milwaukee to a title in 2021, and continues to be the heart of this squad. But last night’s stumble raises questions.
Teams starting to figure out how to slow him down as the playoffs loom. Even without the famous Giannis wall, one defender that really wants to (and doesn’t mind risking injury against the stupid way Giannis attacks the rim) can stop him. Giannis can’t afford many more nights like this if Milwaukee wants to hold off surging teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers (54-10) or secure a top-four seed. And forget all talk about Giannis as MVP.
Regular season easy games vs games that matter
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s every single metric is much much worse in high pressure games. He doesn’t have a mid range, he screws up both in defence and offence. His free throw shooting is a liability. He should not be on the floor in the fourth quarter. That simple. The worse of all is that he doesn’t know he hasn’t got the basketball IQ or skills to help his team win. So to answer the question Giannis is the worse player in the NBA. Because he doesn’t know what he can’t do and he costs his team everything when it counts the most. Easy game stat padding is almost meaningless.
Here is the summary and what we can learn from it according to the popular stat site. Firstly that Giannis fans are often more impressed by stats than wins obviously!
For starters the most common injury report for Giannis is this, “day to day”. The SofaScore summary is pretty constant since it doesn’t measure that much really but it was interesting
to see Giannis on a low day (according to Sofascore) was against the Wizards. But of course any way you look at his career stats, it is clear that Giannis is way past his prime. 3point scoring lowest ever, free throws falling, plus minus also worse than last season.
The season shot chart heat map shows what we have written about so many times. Giannis has no “mid range”, he has 3-4 favourite spots from which he scores when playing easy games. His “made” chart is clearly biased
towards the left side only. And when defences send him to the right he takes the bait, shoots it
and misses. Pretty big problem come playoff time!
It is also rather worrying in terms of how the hell he is shooting. OK, he has no 3point (those grey areas) bu he misses worse slap bang in the middle too! And then in the paint from the right and from 3 to the left. A highly unusual chart of a player that started basketball late in life and simply cannot develop shooting technique despite more than a decade in the NBA.
Sofascore also has the comparison tool, just for anyone crazy enough to still have Giannis in the MVP discussion, it’s not even close. Jokic leads in everything by an enormous margin as Sofascore shows clearly:
So by all means use Sofascore to check out Giannis stats, but try to keep a grip on reality…
