The NBA MVP race has been flipped on its head. Just when it seemed like Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had the hardware locked up, a familiar face has come storming back into the conversation: Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar is playing some of the most dominant basketball of his career, thrusting himself right back into the thick of the MVP chase.
The Greek Freak’s Statistical Dominance
Antetokounmpo’s eye-popping numbers jump off the page. The two-time MVP is leading the league in scoring at a blistering 32.7 points per game, eclipsing his averages from both of his MVP seasons. He’s also grabbing 12.4 rebounds and dishing out 5.8 assists per contest. The scary part? He’s doing it more efficiently than ever, shooting 55% from the field.
He’s playing at an MVP level. When he’s aggressive and in attack mode like this, he’s almost unguardable.
An Eastern Conference scout on Antetokounmpo
But Giannis’ impact goes beyond just stuffing the stat sheet. He’s the engine that makes the Bucks go, leading the team in usage rate and dictating the action on both ends of the floor. His unique blend of size, speed, power and skill allows him to dominate games like few players in NBA history.
Finding Chemistry with Lillard
One of the keys to Antetokounmpo’s surge has been his budding chemistry with co-star Damian Lillard. After some early season growing pains, the superstar duo has found a rhythm, seamlessly sharing ball-handling duties and playing off each other’s strengths.
Giannis and Lillard have developed a potent two-man game, featuring dribble handoffs and pick-and-rolls that put an immense strain on opposing defenses. The attention Lillard draws from beyond the arc opens up driving lanes for Antetokounmpo’s powerful forays to the rim.
Giannis on his chemistry with Dame: "It's getting better each game. We're learning how to play off each other, finding that balance. He makes the game easier for me and I try to do the same for him. It's fun playing together." #FearTheDeer
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 16, 2024
Bucks Climbing the Standings
Milwaukee got off to a sluggish start, losing 8 of their first 10 games. But since then, they’ve kicked it into high gear, winning 12 of their last 15 to surge up to 5th in the East. With Antetokounmpo leading the charge, the Bucks look like a team nobody wants to face come playoff time.
Their turnaround has been keyed by improvements on both ends of the floor. The Bucks rank in the top 10 in both offensive and defensive rating over the past month. Giannis’ interior dominance and ability to create open looks for teammates has the offense humming, while his versatility and rim protection anchor a stingy defense.
A Compelling MVP Case
For Antetokounmpo to claim his 3rd MVP, the Bucks will need to keep piling up wins and climb into the top 3 in the East. Historically, team success is a major factor in MVP voting. But if Giannis keeps putting up massive numbers and Milwaukee makes a run at the 1 seed, he’ll be right there in the conversation.
Jokic and SGA have strong cases of their own, but don’t count out the Greek Freak. When he’s at the peak of his powers like this, few forces in basketball can match his sheer impact on winning. If he leads the Bucks to the top of the uber-competitive East, Antetokounmpo could very well find himself hoisting MVP trophy number three.
The Betting Value
For bettors, Giannis at +700 MVP odds represents an enticing value bet. He has a proven MVP track record and is putting up arguably the best numbers of his career. If the Bucks keep surging, those odds will only get shorter. There’s still meat on the bone for those who believe in Antetokounmpo’s MVP case.
Of course, the risk is that Milwaukee fades and Giannis gets overshadowed by other top contenders. But he’s playing too well to ignore. In a wide-open MVP race, a wager on the Greek Freak at his current odds could pay off handsomely if he keeps up this blistering pace and the Bucks keep stacking victories.
You can never count out Giannis in the MVP race. When he’s locked in like this, putting up massive numbers and leading his team to wins, he’s as good a bet as anyone. The Bucks’ success will be the key to his chances.
A prominent Las Vegas bookmaker
The NBA MVP chase is shaping up to be a captivating battle down the stretch, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is right in the thick of it. With his breathtaking play and the Bucks climbing the standings, the Greek Freak is mounting a compelling case for his 3rd MVP award. It’s still early, but Antetokounmpo is reminding everyone that he remains one of the most devastating forces in the sport. Sleep on him at your own risk.
