In a highly anticipated clash in the Eastern Conference, Milwaukee Bucks took on the Brooklyn Nets at the Fiserv Forum. Apart from the stature of the teams in the table, the focus was also on the face-off between two of the league’s finest players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
The hosts were able to edge past their conference rivals 117-114. The contest seemed to be heading into overtime at the last moment, but Durant’s three-pointer missed its mark to hand Bucks their 40th win of the season.
With 3.6 left on the clock for Nets’ final play, Griffin passed the ball to the former Warriors player who made space to attempt a three-pointer. The ball could only hit the rim which sealed the loss for the Nets.
In terms of pure scoring, it was the reigning two-time MVP who stole the show with his season-high tally of 49 points. Moreover, he also added 8 rebounds and 4 assists to his exploits on the court.
Giannis was able to record 21-of-36 (58.3%) shots including a 4-of-8 effort from a 3-point distance. He also chipped in defensively with a crucial block off Durant, late in the fourth quarter.
In comparison, Kevin Durant notched 42 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 assists. Durant was prolific on the court with 16-of-33 (48.5%) shots from the field, including 7-of-13 from 3-point distance.
‘KD’s one of the greatest scorers to ever play’, says Giannis
Following the culmination of a classic encounter which takes the Nets off the top seed and brings Bucks closer to the second seed, Giannis reserved praise for his on-court rival.
“KD’s one of the greatest scorers to ever play the game, You cannot play that way. If you go back and forth with a guy like that, he’s gonna score 50, 70.”
“What he does is unbelievable, Being 6-11, being able to shoot over everybody. The way he handles the ball and gets to his spot is unbelievable. The best I’ve seen in my life. I look up to him, I’m not gonna lie.” Giannis said
The two-heavyweights will go after each other once again on Wednesday, and form stays true, a potential conference semifinals could also be on the cards for the two franchises.
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