USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball up court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half of game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
The FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers are underway all across the world. And yesterday we got to see Greece and Serbia go head to head in a clash of the titans matchup. NBA superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic went head to head. But fans were loving the matchup and heaping praise on the two stars.
Both Antetokounmpo and Jokic are undoubtedly the best players on their respective teams. Furthermore, both players are in the argument for the best player in the league as well. And both of them are two-time MVPs also. Currently they are leading their countries for a spot in the World Cup. The matchup was intense as it went to overtime. But it was the Nikola Jokic who came out on top as Serbia beat Greece 100-94.
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NBA fans are in awe as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic battle it out
NBA fans who have not seen their favorite stars in action for a long time were mesmerized by the two MVPs. They raved about both the players and their skills on the court. Here are some of the best reactions from NBA Twitter:
the two best players in basketball
— CBR🔮 (@cookedbyRusss) August 25, 2022
The NBA needs a british announcer, makes things more exciting
— Official Small Market Sympathizer (@OTownNBA) August 25, 2022
If by better you mean flashier, then, yes. But the stats favour Joker.
— fudbal011 (@011srbija) August 25, 2022
MVP vs MVP
— Sad Jazz Fan (@AncientHabanero) August 25, 2022
Top 2
— Sarr Land (@PGDefender13) August 25, 2022
Nuggets and Bucks management sweating praying neither of them get hurt like Chet pic.twitter.com/sEaNINfjNL
— Kev (elsewhere for the Pricefield) (@breakingdead1) August 25, 2022
Me watching these two MVPs battle it out like… pic.twitter.com/yvFFFHXZpU
— Tenor (@gifkeyboard) August 25, 2022
This is dope two of the best going at it
— Kalyb Champion (@Bucketscenter1) August 25, 2022
Jokic wins the battle despite Giannis dropping 40
Giannis Antetokounmpo showed exactly why many call him the best player in the league. He was unstoppable, and he was arguably the best player on the court. However, it was Jokic who got the last laugh as his team edged out Greece. The two MVPs have been in action since both their national teams are in the qualifying rounds of the upcoming FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2023.
Giannis dropped 40 points on 14-25 shooting and he had eight rebounds along with five assists. Jokic dropped 29 points on 11-16 shooting and he added 8 rebounds and 5 assists. The game went into overtime, and the two stars battled it out. And Jokic was hitting some arguably ridiculous shots over the Greek Freak.
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One-legged, wrong-legged, turnaround fadeaway from the corner over Giannis Antetokounmpo 🤯
What an INSANE shot by Nikola Jokic 🔥pic.twitter.com/tb0ppl1hTF
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 25, 2022
Serbia now improves to 3-2 while Greece falls to 2-3 in the standings. And the onus falls on Giannis to will his team to the World Cup.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Biggest fights in the 2022 NBA season?
Both of them will have a chip on their shoulder after disappointing finishes last season. The Denver Nuggets will want to get back to the top of the West as Jamal Murray is set to return. And Giannis will want to reclaim his title and show why he’s the best in the league with the Milwaukee Bucks.
