Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo are going toe-to-toe in the 2022 MVP race. They are as dominant as they come, using different styles of play, helping their respective teams compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.
The Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks had their first duel of the season Friday night, over 200 days after their incredible Game 7 in the second round of the 2021 Eastern Conference playoffs. The Bucks didn’t have issues handling the Nets, winning the game 121-108 at Barclays Center behind Giannis’ 31 points.
It was Antetokounmpo’s 7th straight 30+ point game against the Nets, the longest streak he has against any opponent. Following the game, he was asked if he was extra motivated to face Brooklyn, but Giannis was as respectful as usual.
“I don’t take it personal,” Giannis said. “I just try to run my own race. Try to help my own team, try to make my own team great. Obviously there’s a lot of excitement in the air when you play Brooklyn. But at the end of the day I go out there and try to enjoy the game.”
“KD is the best player in the world… he has showed it in the past, he’s showing it right now… I’m just trying to get better.” pic.twitter.com/iUmN38QwBj
— Cassidy Hubbarth (@CassidyHubbarth) January 8, 2022
Antetokounmpo also gave some flowers to Kevin Durant, calling him the best player in the world while claiming he’s still trying to get better and reach the next level.
“K.D. is the best player in the world, he’s showed it in the past, he’s showing it right now. I’m just trying to get better.”
These two have had incredible duels on the court. The Nets and Bucks are expected to compete to play in the NBA Finals this year and this game was a sneak peek of what we could see in a couple of months from now. Giannis is really humble and he always avoids saying he’s better than anybody.
He gave props to KD after he finished with 29 points, which weren’t enough to beat the Bucks. These two lead the latest NBA’s MVP ladder, and last night’s duel was more important than some might think. Giannis won round 1, but KD will be ready for the rematch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjTEzHwbgXo
