Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo joins Lakers’ legend Shaquille O’Neal as the only two players to achieve this historical feat
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The Milwaukee Bucks are cruising in the NBA Finals, with a 3-2 grip on the series. After falling down 0-2 to start the Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his Bucks have won 3 straight games to take the lead. The Greek Freak has been a valuable player for Milwaukee for the past few year, and is proving the same in the playoffs. The 2x NBA MVP has been averaging 29.2 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the 20 games he played this postseason. Giannis has been putting up these numbers while shooting 56.5% from the field.
Often compared to Shaquille O’Neal, this postseason, Giannis has achieved many feats that only Shaq, other than him, has. A recent stat showed how the Greek Freak has been shooting over 50% from the field in 13 consecutive playoff games. This is the second-longest such streak, with Shaq holding the record with 21 such games.
Historic Finals feats by Giannis Antetokounmpo that match Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal used to be an absolute dominating force in the league. His paint presence was unparalleled, and the Diesel was unstoppable. Giannis Antetokounmpo is building his reputation up the same way.
During these playoffs alone, Giannis has achieved many feats that the Diesel earlier had to his name alone.
Just Shaq & Giannis! pic.twitter.com/hiqAsIoyTH
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) July 18, 2021
Giannis joins @SHAQ in the record books 🔥#NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ElRHH6AjR0
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) July 12, 2021
Giannis made 14 shots within 5 feet of the basket Sunday night, tied for the 3rd-most in a Finals game over the last 25 postseasons. Only Shaq had more.
As a team, the Suns made 13 shots within 5 feet of the basket in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/TovbQzHOVI
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 12, 2021
If Giannis keeps playing the way he has, he can follow in Shaq’s footsteps and win a title in his first trip to the Finals. The Bucks are just a game away from becoming the World Champions. Chris Paul and his Suns would try to force a Game 7, but we’ll have to see how things turn out. Game 6 takes place in Milwaukee on Tuesday.