The Arrival

Still needs work on his free throws, but yah, awesome clutch performance in a very entertaining game tonight.

It's not a chore to be a Bucks fan anymore.

Clearly playing at an MVP level right now. 

They still need some others to step up so he's not carrying the team.  Encouraging that Teletovic hit a few 3s and Brogdon and Middleton played better but they need Maker to do more than he has.  If that guy can make an impact this team will be tough to beat.  You get him to contribute and Parker comes back watch out. 

I think the fact that he missed the FTs and then made the 2 game winning plays is what puts me in awe. This is the kind of stuff we saw from Michael Jordan. He would not be denied, even with his failure at the line, he causes the turnover, dunks, then blocks the game winning shot. Giannis was MJ last night. He is 22 years old. 

Kidd said the same thing about the teammates last night. Middleton played pretty well in the first half. 

But the guy who is right on track is Brogdon. He struggled from the field last night, but he does all the little things every night. Snell was 7/8 last night from the field. Moose sat last night- he has no energy, so Kidd sat him. And recent pick up DeAndre Liggins got 24 minutes and was on the floor down the stretch playing strong defense. 

And down the stretch Portland got a full dose of that long defense- their last 3 possessions in a one point game we’re turnover, turnover, block. 

This was a tough stretch to play- they are 2-1.  Charlotte and Boston at home this week until Atlanta on Sunday. Really good chance to be 5-1 to start...

Snell has developed into a very solid player.  He's very underrated on D and shoots pretty well from the outside. 

Giannis is now playing at a level that will make him the second best player the Bucks have ever had (after Kareem).

He's hit 45 of 67 FGs in the first three games this year while usually being guarded by the opposing defenses best player. He's 44 for 61 from 2. He's 6'11" but his wingspan makes him play like he's about 7'3." His outside shooting has been better, but if he ever gets a consistent 3 point shot he will be the most unguardable guy in the league (really only Durant is more unguardable at this point). You can't block his shot if he posts up and it takes him about one step from the top of the key to get to the rim.

As good as Ray Allen, Moncrief, Terry Cummings, etc. were, if you were a fan of an opposing team you didn't circle your calendar and make sure you bought a ticket to see them play. I think Giannis is at that level now where fans in LA or NYC, etc. will make it a point to see him play. He's signed for 3 years after this one and as pointed out he doesn't turn 23 until December.

Is there any player in the league you trade him straight up for? I'd say no.