Giannis Antetokounmpo sealed a huge chase-down block on Mikal Bridges just before halftime. It was much like LeBron James blocking Iggy.
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The Milwaukee Bucks trail the Phoenix Suns 57-49 at halftime of Game 1 of the 2021 NBA Finals. It has been a really good game all-around, with players across positions for both teams making crucial plays.
One of the things that has kept the Milwaukee Bucks in play thus far has been Giannis’ excellence. The Greek Freak has shown virtually no signs that he suffered a hyperextended knee a week ago. He’s not at his best offensively, but he proved that he’s close to full fitness on D.
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Giannis is already close to a double-double in 2 quarters of gameplay. The Freak has tallied 10 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists through 16:20 on the floor thus far.
Giannis makes a chase-down block on Mikal Bridges, gets comparison to LeBron James
The Milwaukee Bucks looked ready to give up a 4-possession deficit to the home team at several points in the first half. It took some tough shots made by Khris Middleton to keep them within striking distance of a lead all game long.
There was a play just before halftime that also helped keep the Suns lead to 3 possessions. It was when the Bucks missed a shot and Jae Crowder set the Suns off to the races in transition.
Mikal Bridges received the ball on the run, and on most nights, he would’ve had 2 easy points on his drive. But it wasn’t to be tonight as Giannis made an incredible recovery from the Suns backcourt to block the 22-year-old.
The ABC crew of Jeff van Gundy, Mark Jackson and Mike Breen all praised Giannis for this incredible recovery. Jeff van Gundy even compared this block favorably to the best play of LeBron James’ career. In case you’re wondering which one it is, do take a look.
Giannis is 4-of-7 from the floor, but he’s yet to display his full range of offensive skills in this game. The hope will be that he grows into his dominant self on that end of the floor as the series progresses.
