Giannis Antetokounmpo is on the verge of winning his second Defensive Player of the Year award, but he will also be a lock for MVP. A game against Atlanta featured Giannis scoring 25 points and blocking six shots in just 29 minutes. The Bucks became more competitive with their new acquisition
The “dpoy nba” is a player who has been dominating the game of basketball this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo reminded the NBA he’s deserving of both the MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Awards with a single block.
With the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo has already won two NBA MVPs and a Defensive Player of the Year Award. In 2019-20, he became one of just three players in league history to win both awards in the same season.
However, his play against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 29 may have just earned him both trophies once again.
The Milwaukee Bucks won a critical game against the Philadelphia 76ers thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo blocks a jumper by the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid. | Getty Images/Tim Nwachukwu
On March 29, the Bucks and Sixers were tied for second place in the Eastern Conference standings, with identical records.
Milwaukee surged above Philadelphia into second place, only a half-game behind the Miami Heat, as Giannis scored 40 points and the Bucks won 118-116.
Meanwhile, the 76ers fell to fourth place (despite the fact that the top of the conference is so close that they’re just 1.5 games behind Miami).
In the victory, Antetokounmpo had 14 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and three blocks. He made 16 of 24 shots from the field and 7 of 10 free throws.
On Philadelphia’s last possession, though, the game’s most important play occurred.
With the game tied at two, James Harden attempted a three-pointer that was missed, but Joel Embiid grabbed the offensive rebound. Giannis, on the other hand, came from the opposite side of the rim and reached up with his left hand to stop Embiid’s shot, ultimately sealing the victory.
According to ESPN, those involved made the following concise remarks summarizing the play: “It doesn’t take a lengthy detailed language to call it what it was,” they said.
“Spectacular block,” says the narrator. ― Doc Rivers, 76ers coach
“It’s just a unique brick.” – Mike Budenholzer, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks
“It’s simply Giannis being Giannis.” “I made a fantastic play that rescued the game.” Jrue Holiday, Jrue Holiday, Jrue Holiday, Jrue Holiday
It was a memorable MVP and Defensive Player of the Year performance, but it was more than that. It just helped to emphasize that The Greek Freak is enjoying a season that is deserving of both prizes.
“But wait,” you say, “what about Embiid’s and Jokic’s MVP cases?” What about Rudy Gobert’s case for Defensive Player of the Year?”
“Sure,” I’d answer, “those are legitimate concerns.”
So, why not examine Antetokounmpo’s case for both awards?
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s case for NBA MVP
Antetokounmpo, Embiid, and Jokic are in a three-way tie for the Most Valuable Player award this year. There isn’t much that separates them.
Let’s have a look at the statistics (the story of the tape):
- Jokic: 26.3 points on 57.6% shooting, 34.5 percent from three-point range on four tries, 13.6 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks a game.
- Embiid: 29.9 points on 48.9% shooting, 36.4 percent from three on 3.7 attempts, 11.4 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game.
- Antetokounmpo averages 29.9 points on 55.2 percent shooting, 30.1 percent from three on 3.6 attempts, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.5 blocks a game.
So Giannis and Embiid are tied for the lead in points. In terms of shooting %, Jokic is the best. Embiid has the best three-point shooting % in the league. In terms of rebounding, Jokic is the best. Jokic has the most assists. Jokic has the most thefts. In blocks, Antetokounmpo is the best.
Jokic looks to have a modest advantage based on conventional data.
However, there are three other criteria for earning MVP: a player’s contribution to his team, the success of that squad, and how he influences the whole game.
The importance of a player to a team’s performance may be assessed in on/off figures, or how much better a team is when player X is on the floor vs when he is not:
- When Giannis is on the court, the Bucks are 5.9 points better.
- When Jokic is on the court, the Nuggets are 5.7 points better.
- When Embiid is on the court, the Sixers are 4.6 points better.
Giannis, you have the upper hand.
Success as a group:
- Milwaukee is 47-28 and in second place in the Eastern Conference.
- Philadelphia is 46-29 and in fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
- Denver is 45-31 and in sixth place in the Western Conference.
Giannis has the upper hand (even if Jokic is missing his two best teammates).
Then there’s the defensive influence, since an MVP must have an impact on every area of a game:
- Antetokounmpo has a defensive rating of 107.6, Embiid has a defensive rating of 107.6, and Jokic has a defensive rating of 108.7.
Warning: In 2021-22, Giannis has been forced to adapt to numerous defensive responsibilities. As Brook Lopez missed half of the season, he transitioned from a dominating help defender to the starting center.
He’s forced to reduce his reliance on his wingspan, agility, size, and intuition — in other words, his strongest defensive assets — in favor of drop coverage and rim protection.
Also, who of these three guys has the length, speed, and instincts to make that block on Embiid?
Maybe there is a statistical edge. On-court impact advantage for Jokic Antetokounmpo.
The argument for the Greek Freak to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year
*{padding:0;margin:0;overflow:hidden} html,bodyheight:100% img,spanposition:absolute;width:100% ;top:0;bottom:0;margin:auto;bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyheight:100% html,bodyhe spanheight:1.5em;text-align:center;font:48px/1.5 sans-serif;color:white;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow:0 0 0.5em black;text-shadow
Giannis leads the NBA.com MVP Ladder moving into the last few weeks of the regular season. Gobert is in second place.
Obviously, it isn’t the be-all and end-all of the award process. It does, however, have significance.
The article made the same point as the previous one, claiming that Antetokounmpo has had to adapt his game in more ways than any other NBA player.
Gobert has maintained his post as The Stifle Tower. He’s the league’s most effective rim defender and rebounder.
winger for the Phoenix Suns Mikal Bridges, Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics, and Jaren Jarckson Jr. of the Memphis Grizzlies all have a point to make.
None of those players, though, are as adaptable as Antetokounmpo. Is Gobert attempting to block Embiid? Maybe. In that circumstance, maybe JoJo is more frightened of the Utah Jazz big man than Giannis.
However, no player in the NBA has The Greek Freak’s defensive abilities. No player has ever been forced to adapt his game as much as Giannis Antetokounmpo has for the Bucks while maintaining his defensive dominance.
There are strong arguments for Giannis winning both accolades. Again.
Perhaps Antetokounmpo’s block on Embiid in a pivotal game will be his “Heisman Moment,” waking up the NBA world to the reality that he is worthy of MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.
NBA.com provided all data.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Honored Stone Cold Steve Austin’s “3:16 Day” in Giannis Style
Frequently Asked Questions
Has any NBA player won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year?
A: I am not able to find this information, but you can check in the NBAs official website.
How many defensive player of the years does Giannis Antetokounmpo have?
A: Giannis Antetokounmpo has 4 defensive player of the years.
Will Giannis win MVP and DPOY?
A: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the favorite to win MVP and DPOY.
Related Tags
- dpoy 2020
- defensive player of the year
- giannis antetokounmpo hands
