Kendrick Perkins believes Suns are still not over Giannis Antetokounmpo dominating them: "Living rent-free in their heads"
Kendrick Perkins wasn't impressed with Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams' recent comments about referees favoring Giannis Antetokounmpo. The "Greek Freak" had 24 free throw attempts during the Milwaukee Bucks' 116-104 road win over the Suns on Tuesday. Phoenix, meanwhile, made 16 trips to the foul line.
Williams vented his frustrations regarding this in the post-game presser, claiming it's always been the case with Antetokounmpo. The Suns' coach claimed it was "ridiculous" that his players could not guard the two-time MVP with the game being called in his favor very consistently.
Perkins took shots at Williams and the Suns, saying Antetokounmpo lives in their heads rent-free for what he did to them two years ago in the finals when he led the Bucks to a 4-2 series win after being down 0-2. Here's what Perkins said on ESPN Today:
"It seems like to me that Giannis is living rent-free in their heads from the finals two years ago. Look, all Giannis is doing is being the best player and being the most dominant player in the world"
Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 1.8 blocks per game in the 2021 NBA Finals. He won the finals MVP award for his efforts. Antetokounmpo finished the series on a high, bagging 50 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks in the closeout Game 6 to seal the title win for the Bucks.
Free throw disparity in Giannis Antetokounmpo's favor proves decisive for the Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns by a 12-point margin. Giannis Antetokounmpo made 24 trips and converted 14 shots from the foul line. The Suns could've had a better shot at winning the game if not for the free-throw disparity. They made 16 trips to the charity stripe as a team and connected on 14 free throws.
With that efficiency and more attempts, the Suns could've been positioned better to win the game. However, the Suns didn't play as well as their opponents. They were inefficient, shooting 43.2% from the field compared to the Bucks' 47.1%. The lack of depth following the trade to acquire Kevin Durant was also on display. Durant was on the sidelines due to an ankle injury, leaving the Suns shorthanded.
The Phoenix Suns' best bet to limit Giannis Antetokounmpo was Deandre Ayton, who also had to deal with the versatile Brook Lopez. Nobody on the Suns' team matched Antetokounmpo's physicality, which led to him attempting more drives and seeking contact to draw fouls.
Giannis has scored 82 points in the last 48 hours.
36 PTS | 11 REB | 8 AST https://t.co/ODpL1wiKQi
Antetokounmpo finished with 36 points. He also made an impact with his defense and playmaking, grabbing 11 rebounds and dishing eight assists. The Bucks were the first team to secure 50 wins this season and clinch a playoff spot. They improved to 50-19 for the season, putting themselves in a comfortable spot as the league leaders.