Giannis Antetokounmpo is an unstoppable force of nature. His long limbs and huge strides make him one of the fastest players with surprising reach. Combined with his agility, it’s a killer combo. A combo capable of overwhelming any defense.
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And that is exactly what Gianni Antetokounmpo has been up to in the last few seasons. His rise has been certain as the rising sun but no one anticipated it to be just as bright. The Greek national has far exceeded everyone’s expectations but it doesn’t look like he is satisfied with that.
His recent performances show a hunger for something more. He is charting out a legacy for himself that won’t pale in comparison to even the greatest names in league’s history. His most recent performance has surely put him one step closer to that dream.
Giannis Antetokounmpo ties Moses Malone’s 40-year record
Giannis is having himself an incredible season. His defensive and offensive output has led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2nd seeding in the Eastern Conference. The campaign to 2023 NBA Finals is also leading Giannis Antetokounmpo towards impressive milestones. The latest in his prolific portfolio has put him on the same pedestal as Moses Malone.
In the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Giannis scored 43 points and registered 20 rebounds. This was his second consecutive game with this stat line. In the game against the Chicago Bulls, Antetokounmpo had 45 points while managing to crash the board 22-times. The last do so was Moses Malone in 1982.
Back in the February of 1982, Moses Malone had back-to-back games with the same stat line of at least 40 points and 20 rebounds. Malone first dropped 53 points and 22 rebound against the Clippers. Then, the very next game, he registered 45 points and gathered 20 rebounds.
These numbers are unreal. With Sports sciences evolved to such a level, every player now competes at the peak of their physical ability. In comparison, Malone’s era wasn’t as competitive. Yet, for Giannis to still be able to register this stat line 40 years later is a big deal.
Giannis Antetokounmpo with back-to-back 40/20 games. First to do it since Moses Malone in 1982. pic.twitter.com/MVWCApfroS
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) December 31, 2022
The Milwaukee Bucks look like serious contenders this season
To be fair, the Bucks have looked like serious contenders for the last few seasons. Jon Horst has built such an overwhelmingly strong squad. With Giannis as the pillar, the combination of Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday around him is well balanced. The way Bucks transition from offense to defense is so fluid that opponents often find themselves trying to just keep up.
That being said, their offense hasn’t been the best. If players other than their 7ft superstar can step up, Milwaukee will find themselves reaching the Eastern Conference Finals with ease.
