Giannis Antetokounmpo is obviously capable of scoring a tonne of points every night, but he has also shown that he is a capable facilitator.
Despite the Bucks’ eventual 108-123 loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Giannis’s ability to share the ball delighted coach Doc Rivers. He finished the game with 33 points, seven rebounds, and a game-high 13 assists. If the Bucks had made better free throws, Giannis may have racked up more assists, according to Rivers.
According to Rivers, “he should have had 30 assists.”
Having selfless basketball games
Giannis is trailing just teammate Damian Lillard in assists per game this season, averaging 6.8 per game. This season, Antetokounmpo has already tallied ten games with ten or more assists. On December 19, in the Bucks’ 132-119 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the two-time MVP recorded a career-high 16 assists.
The Bucks shot just 46 percent of the time against the Jazz, making just 39 of their 84 field goals. The Bucks’ demise was accelerated when they failed to score in the last 3:31 of the game.
“If you go back and look at the shots that he got guys, he could have easily had a 20-assist night,” Rivers remarked.
Doc is pleased with Giannis’ performance.
The Bucks finished the season 33-17 after losing at Utah. They will play the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday to round off their five-game road trip.
Rivers’ record as a Bucks coach is now 1-3, but he is optimistic about the future after witnessing his star player perform well.
“I adore the way he’s performing at the moment. He’s still combative, Doc stated.