Giannis Antetokounmpo's brother Thanasis approves analyst's take of Bucks star to be in MVP, DPOY conversation
Giannis Antetokounmpo accounted 27% of the Milwaukee Bucks' points and put on a dominant defensive performance against the OKC Thunder on Tuesday night at the T-Mobile Arena to lead his team to the Emirates NBA Cup championship. The comprehensive display has many analysts talking, with some placing him at the front of the line for the coveted MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Antetokounmpo already has two MVP crowns and a Defensive Player of the Year title to his name, and is making a strong case to take home both awards again this season.
Following the Bucks' 97-81 victory over the Thunder in the cup, NBA analyst Jake Weinbach posted a message on X backing Antetokounmpo for the two awards. The post garnered plenty of attention on social media with Giannis Antetokounmpo's brother, Thanasis, sharing the message and giving his two cents on the debate. Thanasis had a succinct one word response when addressing Weinbach's post.
"Both," wrote Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Thanasis Antetokounmpo played for the Bucks from 2019-2024 and while he is no longer with the team, he remains of Giannis' biggest fans. Thanasis is regularly seen on the sidelines at games supporting his brother.
Weinbach goes on to call the Greek center a "special talent" and highlights his dominance on both ends of the court as one of the reasons Giannis is one of the favourite in the MVP and DPOY race.
Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic have all had strong starts to the 2024-25 campaign, but Giannis' numbers have been phenomenal. The Bucks superstar currently leads the NBA in points per game (32.7). He also ranks fifth in rebounds (11.5) and is is in the top 10 in blocks (1.6). The 61.4% Giannis is shooting from the field is a career best.
Led by an exceptional season from Antetokounmpo, the Bucks have managed to turn things around after a disappointing 3-8 start. Doc River's team currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 14-11 record, and the NBA Cup title will only improve the confidence levels in the locker room.
Giannis Antetokounmpo named 2024 Emirates NBA Cup MVP after remarkable run
After putting up some big numbers over the course of the NBA Cup, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the NBA Cup MVP.
Giannis was a key figure during the group stage, leading his team to a perfect 4-0 record. His 37 point performance in the quarterfinal was vital in securing a slender 114-109 victory over the Orlando Magic. In the semifinal round, Antetokounmpo once again led by example, finishing with a game-high 32 points against the Atlanta Hawks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was outstanding for the Bucks on Tuesday night with another complete performance. The 6-foot-11 big man finished with 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists, two steals and three bolcks to guide his team to their first-ever NBA Cup.