In a series of punches between reigning MVP Giannis Antetokoummpo and Houston superstar James Harden, the Greek Freak was the latest to respond by defending his game and arguing against James Harden’s claim that what he does on the court every day requires no skill.
“My game is not just power for sure … obviously, it’s going to be times where you’ve got to power through guys. Like one of the best players, LeBron, Michael Jordan, Kobe and all those guys … Shaq, all those guys, they were extremely physical with their play. They made their presence felt in the paint, but obviously I try to work on my game, midrange shots, 3s, being able to screen and roll faster and make the right pass,” said Antetokounmpo.
“It’s hard to drive full speed and try to make the right pass to the corner. I try to get my passes more accurate and it’s a lot of things I’m still adding, and hopefully when I add all those things in my game, I’m a more complete player and I’m better and can help my team win and the game is easier.”
"There's not back and forth. … At the end of the day, if that's what [James Harden] believes, that's what he believes."
—Giannis Antetokounmpo on James Harden's comments about him pic.twitter.com/92XoqMxeGU
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 29, 2020
It all started when Giannis flamed Harden by insinuating he didn’t pick him in the All-Star draft because he wanted someone who would “pass the ball.” Harden later responded in an interview with ESPN’s Rachel Nichols, saying “I wish I could just run and be 7 feet and just dunk. Like that takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball, how to have skill.”
Needless to say, some serious beef has developed between Giannis and James. While the origins of the rivalry are still unclear, it’s the end that will be more captivating.
With the 2020 postseason near, only the one who lifts the Larry O’Brien trophy this summer will win the war. Anybody else hoping for a Rocketsn/Bucks Finals?
