It’s been the year of Giannis.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has had a phenomenal season, becoming the breakaway leader for the most improved player award.
Antetokounmpo’s breakout season appeared in the national spotlight on Sunday as he started for the East in the 2017 NBA All-Star Game. Giannis showed out in a big way, gunning for the MVP award (eventually given to Anthony Davis) early.
Giannis wowed the crowd with his length and athleticism, throwing down dunk after dunk, including one on a putback over Stephen Curry. In a game that featured nearly 200 points from each squad, Giannis even played a little bit of defense.
Giannis finished with an East-leading 30 points on 14-of-17 shooting, mainly getting to the rim at will and finishing with his combination of size, length, and athleticism.
Exhibition games like this don’t mean much. But for a star playing in the small market of Milwaukee, it presents an opportunity to show the level of aptitude he has exhibited all season in front of a national audience. Giannis Antetokounmpo is turning into a household name even if it’s one that no one can actually pronounce.
