Tonight, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks get the chance to close out the Celtics in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, thus far — and by far — the best series in this year’s postseason. In the Bucks’ stunning Game 5 comeback Wednesday in Boston, Antetokounmpo torched the league’s best defense for 40 points (16-of-27 from the field) and 11 rebounds, bringing his averages over the past three games to 38.7 points, 13.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists with second-leading scorer Khris Middleton sidelined.
It was already clear who was the best basketball player in the world. This series is just a showcase for anyone who hasn’t been watching.
Last year, the Eastern Conference semifinals appeared to cement Kevin Durant’s claim to the status of being the best player on the planet. Even after Antetokounmpo put up 30 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Bucks over the Nets in Game 6 and followed with 40 points, 13 rebounds and five assists in the Game 7 overtime win in Brooklyn, the two-time NBA MVP declared Durant — who scored 48 points and hit an epic last-second shot in regulation while carrying the injury-ravaged Nets — was on another level.
“He’s the best player in the world,” Antetokounmpo said.