The Milwaukee Bucks return home for Game 3 with some good news and bad news. The good news is their two-time MVP franchise player, Giannis Antetokounmpo has played better than anyone could have hoped after a dangerous fall that could have ended his season. The bad news is that his teammates, particularly Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday have struggled so far in contributing to Giannis’ historical pace.
The Greek Freak’s 42 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks is the 2021 version of Willis Reed’s inspirational appearance in Game 7 for the Knicks in the 1970’s. A player pushing through an injury scare that would hold back most players. Back then Reed knocked down jumpers, Giannis is dunking on people.
This is how we starting off? Heard you Giannis! (via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/fnLGdwTD7T
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 9, 2021
Despite Antetokounmpo scoring 20 points in the third quarter which is the highest playoff total in a single quarter since Michael Jordan (22), the other two stars struggled in Game 2.
After leading the Bucks in scoring in Game 1, Khris Middleton’s shooting disappeared in Game 2 with a 5-16 performance, while Holiday was 7-for-21 overall. Still, Giannis has confidence and is constantly in his ear to be aggressive.
“Just keep talking to him, keep telling him to be aggressive,” Giannis says is his message for Holiday in Game 3, via ESPN. “I know he’s going to be there when we need him the most and I don’t worry about it. He’s a great basketball player. He’s played great all year and he’s going to continue to play great for this team.”
During a time out, there appeared to be a sense of urgency emulated by Giannis in Game 2. Now, the Bucks have until Sunday to find that sense of urgency.
THIS JUST GOT ME HELLA HYPED! FINALS ENERGYYYYYY (via @Bucks) pic.twitter.com/x1lYEFiHb3
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) July 9, 2021
With that, a loss in Game 3 could effectively end the series. We’ll just have to wait and see.
