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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 13, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks during the fourth quarter against the Brooklyn Nets during game four in the second round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs. at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA regular season has almost come to a conclusion and the postseason will soon be underway. As a result, the noise around the MVP contenders for the season has increased significantly. While there are several players with a compelling case for the title, Giannis Antetokounmpo has made a strong statement for himself, sending a bold warning to his title rivals.
In his last two games for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Greek Freak has scored 28 and 31 points respectively. The MVP contender is averaging 31.1 points and 11.8 rebounds this season. Recently, Antetokounmpo made a bold statement, cementing his stance for the MVP race. He said “Hell F**king yeah” in response to a question about his third MVP title.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo declares his position in the MVP race
The Bucks superstar? is known for the humility with which he presents himself, while giving props to everyone around him. However, this time, Antetokounmpo seems to be on a mission to win the championship and the MVP title as well.
Even though in his declaration he mentioned that he is “never going to be one who discredits anybody else’s work”, Antetokounmpo did manage to raise several eyebrows with his cocky comment. Going by his stats this season, he is not delusional by any means to make such a statement.
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USA Today via Reuters
Nov 26, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The Greek Freak said, “I believe the last five years I’ve been the MVP. Do I want a third MVP? Hell f–king yeah I want a third one. I am extremely competitive. I try to make my team successful. That’s what I get paid for. That’s what I’m here for.”
He further stated that even though he has no intention to take anything away from someone who works hard, he is the strongest contender for the title. Antetokounmpo added, “I will never beg for an MVP award that I believe I deserve. I’m very proud that I’m able to play at an MVP level because that means I’m making my team very successful.”
“…I believe the last five years I've been the MVP. Do I want a third MVP? Hell f–king yeah I want a third one. I am extremely competitive. I try to make my team successful. That's what I get paid for. That's what I'm here for. I'm never going to be one who discredits anybody… pic.twitter.com/FxJjpEq5Xa
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 9, 2023
The two-time MVP maintained his stance on keeping it all about the team. He said, “That’s the goal”, making it clear that the team’s championship run is still his priority.
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Which players are Giannis Antetokounmpo’s competition for the MVP title this season?
Even though the 28-year-old has presented a very strong case for his third MVP title, the decision is not going to be that easy. He has several competitors going toe to toe against him for the title. As per the Kia MVP ladder, Antetokounmpo is facing a big challenge from 3 other NBA stars for the title. The biggest challenger is Nikola Jokic who is ranked #1 on the MVP Ladder ranking. Placed behind him is Joel Embiid, with a season average of 34.7 points.
Antetokounmpo is placed third on the ladder, while Jayson Tatum is ranked 4th with a season average of 30.1 points. The competition is stiff for the MVP title. It will be interesting to see which player will end up taking a lead in the final moments of the season.
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Who is your MVP pick for the season? Tell us in the comments below.
Watch This Story: Giannis Antetokounmpo?s most heated moments over the years
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