Giannis Antetokounmpo’s playing skills are displayed in the most recent triple-double for the Milwaukee Bucks

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1:00 AM ET

  • Eric WoodyardESPN

The back NBA MVP returned early Wednesday night.

In 31 minutes, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was almost perfect, recording a triple-double through three quarters for the fourth time in his career.

Therefore, he took on a new role as a team photographer.

While sitting on the sidelines, Antetokounmpo took over Bucks content director Nick Monroe’s camera to capture some images of his team ending with a 130-110 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

“I thought it would be a good idea to take some pictures [my brother and teammate] Thanasis and make it look good, “Antetokounmpo explained.” So I was trying to have fun and be right now. “

However, when Antetokounmpo was in the game, he was the center of attention – especially as a gamer.

Antetokounmpo would end the night with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, while heading 7 for 8 from the field. In the third quarter, he also placed Quinn Buckner in fourth place on the Bucks’ all-time assist list.

“Having the ability to kick and find shooters, it almost makes it unstoppable,” said teammate Bryn Forbes, who finished with 20 points and four 3-pointers on the bench.

Antetokounmpo recognizes maturity for the ability to attack in different ways on a given night. Against the Pacers, he saw no need to force the issue as the Bucks connected on 21 3-point field goals, which was the franchise’s fifth record when they made 20 or more 3s in a game this season. season.

“It’s a new thing,” Antetokounmpo said. “Probably last year, the previous year and the previous year, I will enter a game and I am too stubborn not to be the best every night and I try to go through the boys. Three guys are guarding me. and I’m still trying to get into the paint. I think this is just a step towards this leadership. “

Here’s a closer look at four moments in Monday’s contest, which showed Antetokounmpo’s ability to affect the game without just attacking the paint.

First quarter (8:45 play)

Antetokounmpo opened the game aggressively, with five points, five rebounds and three assists in the first seven minutes. In this pick-and-roll situation, he saw teammate Brook Lopez for a wide-open 3-pointer, instead of forcing his way into the paint against the many defenders.

Third quarter (9:15 to play)

Faced with a mismatch of former teammate Malcolm Brogdon defending him in the post, Antetokounmpo took the time to acknowledge that Pacers center-back Myles Turner, the league’s main striker, was coming to his aid. Antetokounmpo remained patient and found a Lopez cut under the rim to open.

“I just think he’s playing very, very altruistically,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer. “He sees things and does the right reading, the right steps and I just think he’s in a great place, mentally. He is aggressive and attacks when needed, finds teammates and finds opportunities for everyone else when needed. He really plays at a high level. “

Third quarter (5:13 to play)

Indiana remained in the defense of the area, but Antetokounmpo made an unexpected pass to Jrue Holiday under the rim to throw the defense for just a split second, before moving to the basket for a “give-and-go” end. a handed jam.

“For him, what is great in my eyes is that he must remain aggressive. I think when he’s aggressive, he helps us all out. And not necessarily just aggressively scoring the ball, but every time he gets into that paint, someone becomes an open plan or someone an open 3, “said Donte DiVincenzo, the Bucks goalkeeper.” He realizes; he finds guys in their place. “But I also think he does a good job of mixing it up and attacking the rim and some kind of descent, and not just letting the defense stop just as quickly.”

Third quarter (49.5 seconds of play)

The 10th assist for Antetokounmpo came after an offensive recovery from a miss by Pat Connaughton. Once again, Antetokounmpo threw the defense jumping up as if trying to shoot, before finding Bobby Portis in the corner for a wide opening 3. Antetokounmpo equalized a maximum season for assists before resting for the final quarter. . He scored or assisted on 49 points, while the Pacers scored 63 points as a team when on the field, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.

With new teammates and a new system, this is a completely new approach for Antetokounmpo, one that is still getting used to the Bucks now 13-8 overall. However, he pledges to sacrifice for the bigger goal on the line to advance further into the playoffs.

“Last year, I felt like the previous year that in order for us to win, I have to be the best,” Antetokounmpo said. “I have to get 30, 35 … 25, 20 and 10 or whatever. Be everywhere; do everything. But now, I think our team is a great team; and this year, if my team needs I have to pass the ball, I have to pass the ball. “

“Next year could be different,” he added. “The team might need me to go crazy every night, but I think that’s getting older. Obviously, I’m still young. I’m 26, but 26 is over 25 and 24 and I like it that way. “I like to be in a good place, to play fair and to see my teammates having fun. But at the end of the day, we always have to win the game. I’m here to win games; no I’m just here to confuse all of this. “

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