Khris Middleton on Giannis Antetokounmpo game-winning block: It shocked the s— out of me
At this point, Khris Middleton has seen it all. For nine seasons, aside from the moments they’ve been sidelined because of injuries, he has seen every practice and every game of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s NBA career. And yet, Tuesday night, he still couldn’t believe what Antetokounmpo did on the Bucks’ final defensive possession against the 76ers. “It shocked the s— out of me,” Middleton said.
Source: Eric Nehm @ The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Since we rarely talk about Giannis as one of the most dominant scorers in NBA history, just a reminder that only two players in league history have averaged >30.0 points/36 min in 4 different seasons: Giannis and Jordan (via @Basketball-Reference / stathead.com/tiny/tGzmP) – 11:22 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Best and worst from Sixers-Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around domination, Tyrese Maxey’s continued struggles and more inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer #NBA – 10:52 AM
JD Shaw @JShawNBA
NBA’s best from March 29:
– K. Durant: 41 pts, 11 reb, 3 blk
– Giannis: 40 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast
– L. Doncic: 34 pts, 12 reb, 12 ast
– P. George: 34 pts, 6 ast, 4 stl
– D. DeRozan: 32 pts, 7 reb, 2 stl
– J. Harden: 32 pts, 5 reb, 9 ast
– J. Embiid: 29 pts, 14 reb, 7 ast – 10:39 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
From Giannis Antetokounmpo’s game-saving block to the Bucks’ strategy to the starting lineup, everything about the Bucks’ win last night in Philadelphia was about defense.
A closer look at the Bucks winning with defense, at @TheAthletic: theathletic.com/3218963/2022/0… – 10:32 AM
Chris Broussard @Chris_Broussard
Did the NFL really ‘fix’ overtime? Can Lillard duplicate what Giannis did? The problem with the revised Rooney Rule & more! Guests: @EphraimSalaam @carronJphillips @martinweiss
Catch us live weeknights 7-10p ET on @FoxSportsRadio & @iHeartRadio podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the… – 10:31 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis: “It doesn’t really matter getting the No. 1 seed”
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 10:19 AM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
According to NBA.com’s matchup data from last night, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 15 points when Paul Millsap was his primary defender.
Millsap registered just under 2 minutes as Giannis’ primary defender. – 10:15 AM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Giannis might win the scoring title and defensive player of the year in the same season.
Here is the complete list of players in NBA history to do that:
Michael Jordan.
He, of course, won MVP in 1987-88. – 9:46 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant each recorded at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and three blocks last night.
It’s the first time two players have recorded such a game on the same day since the NBA started tracking blocks in 1973-74. pic.twitter.com/vpDkYBWQ6t – 9:21 AM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
Giannis Antetokounmpo last night:
✅ 40 PTS
✅ 14 REB
✅ 6 AST
✅ 3 BLK
✅ 16-24 FG
Antetokounmpo has 11 career games in which he’s recorded at least 40p/10r/5a while shooting 60% from the field.
That ties Larry Bird for the most such games since the ABA-NBA merger. pic.twitter.com/5YHPwlkEAr – 9:01 AM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Giannis is the MVP.
What are we doing?
Bucks are easily best team in the East.
What are we doing?
Nets have 2.5 players.
Celtics just lost their only prayer of stopping Giannis.
Heat best offensive player is their 6th man.
Philly zero depth + Harden history.
It’s the Bucks. – 8:58 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Best and worst from Sixers-Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around domination, Tyrese Maxey’s continued struggles and more inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer – 8:38 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Comedian Giannis Antetokounmpo has a dad joke for you.
It’s no bueno. pic.twitter.com/9KgWXEUYlD – 8:17 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
MVP of the Night: Giannis Antetokounmpo
#NBAsFinest pic.twitter.com/pgfgWXhXQT – 8:02 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Best and worst from #Sixers–#Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s all-around domination, Tyrese Maxey’s continued struggles and more inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer – 6:41 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Rejected: Sixers lose to Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, 118-116 | Analysis inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer – 6:40 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
➡ Luka Doncic posts triple-double (32-12-12), Mavs push Lakers out of play-in spot
➡ Giannis scores 40 and the Bucks edge the Sixers
NBA recap, results and standings
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/13… – 4:37 AM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Perhaps someone from the #Bucks should pass along the fish sticks joke from South Park to Giannis Antetokounmpo. (FYI: He dropped from 10-1 to 9-1 in MVP market after victory over #Sixers) – 3:44 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Joel Embiid went on a 24-hour MVP press tour, then got blocked by Giannis at the buzzer to lose at home. – 2:41 AM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks send message to rest of NBA with impressive win over Joel Embiid and the 76ers
By: @therealmikekb
cbssports.com/nba/news/giann… – 2:00 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia – a finishing flourish by Giannis Antetokounmpo and championship-level defense lead a comeback win over the #76ers as the #Bucks offer evidence to Doc Rivers’ point that they’re playoff ready. jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 12:25 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Rejected: #Sixers lose to Antetokounmpo and the #Bucks, 118-116 | Analysis inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer – 12:16 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid and the team give their reaction to the block by Giannis Antetokounmpo at the end #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/lists/joel-emb… via @SixersWire – 11:58 PM
Krishna Narsu @knarsu3
Isn’t a regular season matchup the perfect time to see how bball Paul and/or Bassey would hold up vs Giannis? Like it’s better to learn that now than in the playoffs. Obvious solution is to just match Embiid/Giannis minutes. – 11:29 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
I have to keep it light around here 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mEsqMJZAP4 – 11:24 PM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Feels like MVP voters got Giannis fatigue just as they learned how to pronouce his last name. Like, “He’s got 2, who else can we give it to?” Jokic was deserving last year & he or Embiid wouldn’t be a bad choice now. But Giannis is way better than he was when he went back-to-back – 11:15 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo @Giannis_An34
Great win 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/cMubKAEk5w – 11:10 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Giannis makes MVP case with 40 points, key block of Embiid to earn Bucks win nba.nbcsports.com/2022/03/29/gia… – 11:08 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
Oh by the way, Giannis and Embiid have now both played in 62 games this season.
The 76ers have gone 41-21 in Embiid’s games
The Bucks have gone 41-21 in Giannis’ games
They’ve both scored 1,853 points this season
Giannis has more rebounds, assists and blocks – 11:07 PM
Nick Friedell @NickFriedell
KD on Giannis “His points are almost absolute like a guarantee. So it’s about playing physical–they got a great team that plays well off each other–so it’s much more than Giannis but you know his points, they’re going to happen so you just got to make them as tough as possible” – 10:57 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
“He’s one of those players that establishes himself that like his points are almost absolute like guarantee.”
-Kevin Durant talks about “limiting” Giannis. pic.twitter.com/3MLO3GL2qg – 10:38 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers on his decision to go with Paul Millsap as the backup big: “Didn’t like DJ (in this matchup). We almost went with Paul Reed…but in Milwaukee (Giannis) was a tough matchup for Paul.”
“The first half (Millsap) was really good. The second half I thought he struggled.” – 10:32 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant on the idea of slowing down Giannis Antetokounmpo on Thursday: “His points are almost absolute, like a guarantee… They’re gonna happen.” – 10:30 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Kevin Durant was asked how his team can slow down Giannis. Durant asks what the reporter meant by that and answered that Giannis’ points are “absolute.” Basically guaranteed. – 10:30 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s much more than Giannis (Antetokounmpo) … But his points? That’s going to always happen.”
⁃Kevin Durant on the Milwaukee Bucks. – 10:30 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Giannis vs. Embiid delivers:
Tuesday: Giannis goes for 40-14-6 with the game-saving block in a W.
Last meeting: Embiid went for 42-14-5 in a W.
Both games decided on the final play of the game. pic.twitter.com/X7OjeAXwDT – 10:26 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid on Giannis’ game-clinching block: “I thought it was close [between a clean block and a goaltend]. I probably should have gone up harder, but in that situation, I didn’t know how much time was left. So I was just trying to get the ball off or quickly up.” – 10:25 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid, on Giannis scoring 14 points in the late 3rd and early 4th to get Milwaukee back in the game [1/2]: “I was on the bench the whole time. When I was on the floor, I really made sure that I was always there to help. I thought we didn’t follow up that strategy…” – 10:22 PM
Bill Simmons @BillSimmons
—Great Embiid hustle rebound
—Great Giannis block
—Oh and Harden’s 3 almost killed a guy
pic.twitter.com/BybJmabZcQ – 10:21 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Rejected: Sixers lose to Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, 118-116 | Analysis inquirer.com/sixers/milwauk… via @phillyinquirer – 10:18 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid spotlighted the minutes where he was on the bench and Giannis went on a huge run as the turning point of the game. Mentioned that perhaps they need to match his minutes with Giannis’ in the future, noted he made an effort to offer help toward him whenever he was on floor – 10:08 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Embiid says that the team did not execute the defensive strategy to open the fourth quarter. They didn’t wall off the interior, and allowed Giannis to drive in single coverage. – 10:07 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid, on his layup at the end that Giannis blocked: “I probably should have gone up harder, but I didn’t know how much time was left.” Said he rushed the layup to make sure he got it off in time. – 10:06 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Mike Budenholzer: “Giannis’ defensive instincts, defensive skills – just another big block. He does it again tonight. That’s just a special block.” – 9:55 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
About that Giannis block 👀
bit.ly/GiannisHuntsBl… – 9:46 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Fun fact — Giannis and Embiid are averaging identical PPG.
Giannis: 1,853 points in 62 games
Embiid: 1,853 points in 62 games pic.twitter.com/mxB41fYsK7 – 9:45 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Giannis and Joel Embiid have now each scored an identical 1853 points in 62 games — their 29.88 ppg marks put them just behind LeBron’s 30.13 – 9:44 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers says he thought the Giannis block was a goaltend live, but after seeing the replay. He knew it was a block. He assumes the officials got it right because “they spent an hour and 20 minutes” looking at it. #Sixers – 9:42 PM
Trey Kerby @treykerby
Switched to being a Giannis guy a week ago. Feels nice. – 9:34 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I’m (almost) always going to default to Jokić, but I will not be disappointed if Giannis wins MVP in the end. – 9:33 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
re: GIANNIS. what a monster.
ruled clean after review. wins game. pic.twitter.com/k9a2rK1620 – 9:32 PM
Adi Joseph @AdiJoseph
A week ago @Sam Quinn told you to bet on Giannis as MVP cbssports.com/nba/news/giann… – 9:32 PM
Tas Melas @TasMelas
Giannis is getting better. – 9:31 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Luka Doncic tonight:
34 PTS
12 REB
12 AST
1 TOV
His second triple-double in 30 minutes or less ties Giannis for the most all time. pic.twitter.com/kvBl4Jq0J3 – 9:30 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis tonight:
40 PTS
14 REB
6 AST
3 BLK
16-24 FG
The Bucks claim the 2 seed in the East. pic.twitter.com/yRlsvE5HaS – 9:29 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
laughing is really my only emotion watching Giannis now. nothing surprises me anymore. – 9:28 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
FINAL: Bucks 118, Sixers 116
– Antetokounmpo 40pts/14reb/6ast/3blk
– Middleton 22pts/9reb/7ast
– Holiday 19pts/8reb/10ast
– Lopez 17pts/3reb – 9:28 PM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Great game. Doc Rivers stunk out of TO late. Giannis just incredible. – 9:28 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Bucks 118, Sixers 116 thanks to Giannis’ game-saving block to go along with 40 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Embiid had 29-14-7. Harden with 32-5-9. Sixers will drop to fourth in the tightly packed East standings.
Again, sign me up for this as a playoff series. – 9:28 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
This Jokic-Giannis MVP race is going to come down to the wire. – 9:28 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
What a bizarre ending to an awesome game. Giannis’s block was clean, turning it into a jump ball with 1.6 seconds to go – rather than the Sixers getting it out of bounds.
The tip bounces away, and Milwaukee comes away with a 118-116 victory – and, with it, the season series. – 9:28 PM
Chris Vernon @ChrisVernonShow
GIANNIS. what a monster – 9:27 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Giannis Jokic
🤝
Game-winning blocks – 9:27 PM
Jamal Collier @JamalCollier
Lolll, it’s so absurd Giannis blocked that shot – 9:27 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Giannis for DPOY. Everyone wins. – 9:27 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
In real time that didn’t even look close to a goal tend. Sometimes Giannis just makes plays that you can’t believe would be possible. Add it to his highlight reel block catalogue. – 9:27 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
That’s the tough part there for the Sixers. Would’ve been their ball on the out of bounds but by rule it’s a jump ball on the overturn.
Regardless, great block by Giannis. – 9:26 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Call is overturned. It’s a block by Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks lead 118-116 with 1.6 ticks left. #Sixers – 9:26 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Lmao Giannis is a god – 9:26 PM
The Ringer @ringernba
GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/i2M6Mj0a3e – 9:26 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
That’s easily a clean block from Giannis. And holy hell, what a quick reaction – 9:26 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
GIANNIS pic.twitter.com/M73rjhll04 – 9:25 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Giannis makes so many winning plays. Dude is a winner. – 9:25 PM
Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
What a block by Giannis – 9:25 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Incredible Giannis game punctuated by what looks like a clean block there – 9:25 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Incredible defense from the Bucks on that possession, and another crazy block by Giannis Antetokounmpo at the end of the game. – 9:25 PM
Dave Mason @DeuceMason
GIANNIS. What a block – 9:25 PM
Danny Leroux @DannyLeroux
How, Giannis?! – 9:25 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
I think this is going to be a clean block, and a jump ball.
Also, what a play by Giannis. Wow. – 9:25 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Giannis got that before it hit the glass. – 9:24 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
They’re calling that block by Giannis Antetokounmpo on Joel Embiid’s putback attempt a goaltend.
It is being reviewed though. – 9:24 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Admire Giannis’ confidence, but he had Middleton wide open at midcourt to pass to rather than holding onto the ball and getting fouled himself. Made 1-2, Sixer still have a chance down 2. – 9:23 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Giannis goes 1-2 from the line and the Bucks are up 118-116 with 12.4 seconds left. Sixers ball after the timeout. – 9:22 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Lopez and Holiday switch. Antetokounmpo stunts. Embiid misses a mid-ranger. Bucks get the stop they need.
Antetokounmpo to the line for two. He hits the first, misses the second..
Bucks up, 118-116, with 12.4 – 9:22 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
After Joel Embiid just missed a potential go-ahead jumper short at one end, Giannis Antetokounmpo goes 1-for-2 at the foul line at the other.
Philly’s ball, down 2, with 12.4 seconds to go. – 9:22 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Unsurprisingly, both Embiid and Giannis have been spectacular tonight in their own ways. – 9:19 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
An existential question:
Can you throw a lob so high Giannis can’t get it? I feel like Holiday just tried. – 9:16 PM
Kane Pitman @KanePitman
Giannis has long arms. pic.twitter.com/IYgtV8oezS – 9:16 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Holiday threw that thing to the rafters knowing Giannis would go up and get it. – 9:16 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Giannis is good. – 9:15 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Per the NBA live stats, Khris Middleton has accounted for 76.9% of the #Bucks points in the 4th quarter so far. – 9:11 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
108-106 #Bucks over #76ers with 4:55 to go in regulation.
Should be fun.
Antetokounmpo: 35/14reb
Middleton: 22/8/7
Holiday: 13/6/9
Embiid: 26/9/6
Harden: 32/8ast.
Harris: 20/10/5 – 9:10 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Bucks are just spamming the Middleton-Lopez pick and roll with Antetokounmpo on the bench.
And it’s working. – 9:02 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Khris Middleton has passed #Bucks legend and current TV analyst Marques Johnson (@olskool888) for No. 8 on the franchise shot attempts list. – 9:02 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
And, the #Bucks have come back from a 14-point deficit with that Khris Middleton three.
Resets the game with 9 left to go in regulation. – 9:01 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Timeout by Doc Rivers after a Khris Middleton bucket in the lane makes it 93-91 Philly with 9:22 remaining. Milwaukee took advantage of a lineup with no Harden and Embiid out there for the first part of the fourth to set up what should be a very fun final nine minutes. – 8:58 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Not really Millsap’s fault that Giannis is taking it to him, but sheesh, that was a tough stretch – 8:58 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
There was the Bucks’ push to start the fourth, with Giannis in and Embiid and Harden on the bench. Sixers’ lead down to 93-91 with 9:22 to play. Embiid was at the scorer’s table when Doc called timeout. – 8:57 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Flagrant foul on Danny Green for a arm/elbow across Giannis Antetokounmpo’s face. The #Bucks star was down for a bit to collect himself – got up and made his two free throws, the last of which he followed with a fist pump.
He scored again on the free possession. – 8:56 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Review here in Philly after a foul by Danny Green on Giannis Antetokounmpo, which was a pretty clear flagrant one – not that the crowd here was happy with the call. Not a dirty play by Green, but just got caught in an awkward place in the air. – 8:55 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Giannis Antetokounmpo took about 30 seconds to get up after that foul by Danny Green. But he got up and walked it off eventually.
It is being reviewed. – 8:54 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
76ers 89, Bucks 81 after 3. James Harden has 28 and 8, in what so far has been his best game in a Philly uniform. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 28-11-6 for Milwaukee. – 8:51 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Sixers 89, Bucks 81 at the end of the third. Giannis up to 28-11-6 after a burst at to close that period, including that dunk in the final seconds. Harden has 29-5-8. Embiid with 21-8-6. Should be a fun finish. – 8:50 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
It’ll be 2030, Giannis will be 35, and it’ll still amaze me how few dribbles it takes for him to get from half-court to the rim. – 8:50 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Khris Middleton has passed HOFer Jack Sikma for No. 10 on the #Bucks all-time rebounds list. – 8:35 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Khris Middleton hasn’t scored since there was 8:15 to go in the first half. #Bucks down 10 with 7:03 to go in the third. – 8:31 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Jrue Holiday misses a fastbreak layup = Harden free throws.
Giannis Antetokounmpo misses an uncontested 6-footer and putback = Embiid basket to put the #76ers up 10 again… – 8:28 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Fun half of basketball, Sixers lead 61-51. Strong start by Harden, strong middle from Harris, strong close by Embiid. Sixers shoot 9-18 from deep.
Do think the Bucks are looming. Giannis is creating some great 3-point looks with his drives, they just haven’t hit a ton of them. – 8:07 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Halftime: Sixers 61, Bucks 51. Sixers are shooting 9-of-18 from 3, while the Bucks are 6-of-19. Harden with 16-3-5. Embiid with 13-4-5. Harris with 10-4-3. Giannis with 17-5-4. Sixers have also turned 8 Bucks turnovers into 9 points. – 8:06 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo shoots his first free throws of the game at the 3:19 mark of the second quarter. – 7:56 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
After one quarter, the Bucks lead, 27-24. Giannis Antetokounmpo has 10/5/2. Middleton has 9/3.
Advanced Stats:
OffRtg: 112.5
DefRtg: 100.0
Net Rtg: +12.5
ORB%: 30.0%
DRB%: 100.0% – 7:36 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Fun first quarter here in Philly, where the Bucks lead 27-24. 10 points on perfect 5-for-5 shooting for Giannis Antetokounmpo, while James Harden had 12 and had two and-ones – including on a 3-point attempt. – 7:36 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Bucks 27, Sixers 24 at the end of the first. Harden with 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. Embiid is 1-of-6 from the floor and did not go to the free-throw line. Giannis with 10 points on 5-of-5 shooting and 5 boards. – 7:35 PM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Bucks lead 27-24 after one. Harden leads all scorers with 12 points on 4-5 shooting. Giannis A. has 10 for the Bucks. – 7:35 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Giannis right now:
10 points
5/5 FG
5 rebounds
2 assists
1 NASTY turnaround fade. – 7:32 PM
Quinton Mayo @RealQuintonMayo
Giannis vs. Embiid at the rim is ALWAYS a movie.
Giannis got that one. He’s cooking right now. – 7:31 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
That’s going to be a pretty picture.
Joel Embiid gets to the rim late and Giannis Antetokounmpo snuck in for an authoritative slam. – 7:29 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
That Giannis dunk pic.twitter.com/Mqo6JJjviq – 7:29 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid gets stripped and the Bucks go the other way to get an alley-oop for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Bucks lead it 18-11 and Doc Rivers gets a timeout in. #Sixers – 7:25 PM
Dave Early @DavidEarly
Wild no call by James Capers there on that Middleton hip check for Thybulle. – 7:25 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Wasn’t the prettiest start for the Bucks offense, but they lead, 13-11, with 6:44 left in the first quarter.
Middleton, who turned it over twice trying to throw lobs, leads the way for the Bucks with six points. – 7:18 PM
Sam Amick @sam_amick
Another enjoyable ‘Unplugged’ interview coming tomorrow, at @TheAthletic…
But for tonight, with the Sixers and Bucks facing off in Philly, the last two are worth sharing again.
Giannis (@Giannis Antetokounmpo) – theathletic.com/3198930/2022/0…
Embiid (@JoelEmbiid)- theathletic.com/3213386/2022/0… – 7:18 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
#Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has passed Washington HOFer Wes Unseld for No. 86 the defensive rebounds list. – 7:13 PM
Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
Just filled out my @PrizePicks entry for tonight (with their Taco Tuesday discount for Giannis). Here’s who I’m rooting for this evening: pic.twitter.com/aUFuCayxrg – 5:56 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer says Giannis Antetokounmpo will play today #Sixers – 5:33 PM
Austin Krell @NBAKrell
Giannis Antetokounmpo will play tonight. – 5:33 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Giannis Antetokounmpo, probable to play tonight for the #Bucks against the #76ers, joins Khris Middleton for their usual pregame routines. pic.twitter.com/Z51nfhwHqg – 4:56 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis and Embiid H2H stats, regular season and playoffs:
Record — Giannis (6-4)
PPG — Giannis (33.1)
RPG — Giannis (14.0)
APG — Giannis (6.8)
BPG — Embiid (1.9)
SPG — Giannis (1.5)
FG% — Giannis (53.4)
Tonight the winner will claim the 2 seed. pic.twitter.com/7NgNKzAg4h – 3:14 PM
CBS NBA @CBSSportsNBA
NBA MVP race: Joel Embiid looks to make statement vs. Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo; Nikola Jokic gains ground
cbssports.com/nba/news/nba-m… – 2:34 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The Bucks’ injury report for tonight’s game in Philadelphia is about as clean as it has been all season long.
Probable: Giannis Antetokounmpo (right knee soreness)
OUT: DeAndre’ Bembry (right knee surgery) – 1:27 PM
Sam Quinn @SamQuinnCBS
Something I found very interesting about the Bontemps MVP straw poll: Giannis finishes far behind Jokic and Embiid in first place votes… but right behind them in second-place votes. A lot of voters feel comfortable with Giannis over EITHER Jokic or Embiid… just not both. pic.twitter.com/WrpXJJYZlz – 12:40 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
The top 8 in double-doubles are all international players.
1. Jokic 🇷🇸
2. Valanciunas 🇱🇹
3. Gobert 🇫🇷
4. Sabonis 🇱🇹
5. Vucevic 🇨🇭
6. Giannis 🇬🇷
7. Embiid 🇨🇲
8. Luka 🇸🇮
Seven of the 8 are European. pic.twitter.com/6oTKVtlhyM – 11:54 AM
More on this storyline
“The shot went up,” Middleton explained. “Me and Jrue (Holiday), we kind of let Embiid slide past us, and we thought we gave up the potential game-tying layup. Next thing we know, we see this hand hit the ball to the backboard. It was this quick, much-needed block. It was one of the best ones I’ve seen, but not the best, obviously.” -via The Athletic / March 30, 2022
With the Nuggets’ playoff hopes on his shoulders, Jokic will not start burdening himself with MVP talk now. He has others to campaign for him. “We always call him it, because he is the MVP. Whether he wins it or not, we believe he is,” said Rivers. “But he doesn’t like talking about it. I don’t even think he cares whether he wins it or not. He really doesn’t. I believe that, honestly.” -via USA Today Sports / March 30, 2022
As the 2021-22 regular season winds down, it appears Jokic has the inside track to repeat. After Jokic finished just behind Embiid in the previous edition in mid-February, the four-time All-Star claimed 62 of 100 first-place votes in the third and final iteration of ESPN’s MVP straw poll, giving Jokic a clear — though narrow — lead over Embiid and Milwaukee Bucks forward and most recent back-to-back MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. -via ESPN / March 29, 2022
