NBA Communications: The three finalists for the 2024-25 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award: 
Giannis Antetokounmpo of @Bucks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of @okcthunder Nikola Jokić of @nuggets
Source: Twitter
Giannis Antetokounmpo of @Bucks Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of @okcthunder Nikola Jokić of @nuggetsSource: Twitter
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
sources: shai and jokic are about to become mvp finalists. my sources are everybody says so.
But really, just a reminder that the NBA award finalists get announced on TNT at 6:30 Eastern. – 6:20 PM
sources: shai and jokic are about to become mvp finalists. my sources are everybody says so.
But really, just a reminder that the NBA award finalists get announced on TNT at 6:30 Eastern. – 6:20 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Whoever signed off on that SGA/Jurassic Park crossover promo walked away thinking “nailed it.” – 4:53 PM
Whoever signed off on that SGA/Jurassic Park crossover promo walked away thinking “nailed it.” – 4:53 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nothing on the Last Two-Minute report re: the Nikola Jokic vs. Jeff Van Gundy and Jasen Powell wrestling match late in regulation. The L2M’s only missed call: Aaron Gordon should’ve been called for a foul on Kawhi Leonard in the final minute of overtime:
official.nba.com/last-two-minut… – 4:27 PM
Nothing on the Last Two-Minute report re: the Nikola Jokic vs. Jeff Van Gundy and Jasen Powell wrestling match late in regulation. The L2M’s only missed call: Aaron Gordon should’ve been called for a foul on Kawhi Leonard in the final minute of overtime:
official.nba.com/last-two-minut… – 4:27 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Chet Holmgren on OKC’s passing today:
“The credit has to start at the top. Shai did a great job of finding everybody..
He trusted us to make the right plays tonight.”
OKC had 37 assists on 50 made buckets. – 4:18 PM
Chet Holmgren on OKC’s passing today:
“The credit has to start at the top. Shai did a great job of finding everybody..
He trusted us to make the right plays tonight.”
OKC had 37 assists on 50 made buckets. – 4:18 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Aaron Wiggins coming in during the second quarter to have a huge impact despite not playing in the first quarter “He’s a really, really good play.” – 4:02 PM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Aaron Wiggins coming in during the second quarter to have a huge impact despite not playing in the first quarter “He’s a really, really good play.” – 4:02 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
SGA on Aaron Wiggins:
“He’s just a really good basketball player no matter what’s going on.
He’s just really good at basketball.” – 4:02 PM
SGA on Aaron Wiggins:
“He’s just a really good basketball player no matter what’s going on.
He’s just really good at basketball.” – 4:02 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
SGA on diving on multiple loose balls:
“I just try to make winning basketball plays. Every play presents an opportunity to make a winning play and I try to do so.” – 3:58 PM
SGA on diving on multiple loose balls:
“I just try to make winning basketball plays. Every play presents an opportunity to make a winning play and I try to do so.” – 3:58 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
I have terrible news for the Grizzlies.
Thunder won by 51 points.. and SGA had the lowest scoring game of his season. – 3:29 PM
I have terrible news for the Grizzlies.
Thunder won by 51 points.. and SGA had the lowest scoring game of his season. – 3:29 PM
David MacKay @DavidMacKayNBA
SGA’s lowest scoring output during the regular season was 18 points. He scored only 15 today on 31% shooting. And OKC still won by 51 points — the largest margin of victory for any Game 1 in #NBAPlayoffs history. Yikes, Memphis. Yikes. – 3:27 PM
SGA’s lowest scoring output during the regular season was 18 points. He scored only 15 today on 31% shooting. And OKC still won by 51 points — the largest margin of victory for any Game 1 in #NBAPlayoffs history. Yikes, Memphis. Yikes. – 3:27 PM
Royce Young @royceyoung
Thunder beat the Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1.
– Dub: 20-5-6
– SGA: 15-3-5
– Chet: 19 and 10 rebounds + 2 blocks
– Hart: 14-8-5
– Dort: 12 + 3 steals
– Wiggs: 21 (4-7 from 3)
New OKC playoff record of 37 assists. – 3:22 PM
Thunder beat the Grizzlies 131-80 in Game 1.
– Dub: 20-5-6
– SGA: 15-3-5
– Chet: 19 and 10 rebounds + 2 blocks
– Hart: 14-8-5
– Dort: 12 + 3 steals
– Wiggs: 21 (4-7 from 3)
New OKC playoff record of 37 assists. – 3:22 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Asked Ivica Zubac about bear wrestling (basically) with Nikola Jokic
Zu doesn’t have a problem with it lol pic.x.com/clbcfYt7Ng – 3:06 PM
Asked Ivica Zubac about bear wrestling (basically) with Nikola Jokic
Zu doesn’t have a problem with it lol pic.x.com/clbcfYt7Ng – 3:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Points by a 2018 draftee today:
17 — Marvin Bagley
15 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4 — Jaren Jackson Jr
Just like we predicted. pic.x.com/rGeWfnm7nm – 3:06 PM
Points by a 2018 draftee today:
17 — Marvin Bagley
15 — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
4 — Jaren Jackson Jr
Just like we predicted. pic.x.com/rGeWfnm7nm – 3:06 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
SGA scored 20+ points in 72 straight games.
Today, the streak ended. pic.x.com/kl62QkCQYi – 3:04 PM
SGA scored 20+ points in 72 straight games.
Today, the streak ended. pic.x.com/kl62QkCQYi – 3:04 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Thunder starters in Game 1:
Dort — 12 PTS | 3 STL | 4 3P
Chet — 19 PTS | 10 REB | 2 BLK | 3 3P
Shai — 15 PTS | 5 AST | 2 BLK
J-Dub — 20 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 3 STL
Hart — 14 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST
None of them played in the 4th quarter. pic.x.com/Uknp02VGy4 – 2:51 PM
Thunder starters in Game 1:
Dort — 12 PTS | 3 STL | 4 3P
Chet — 19 PTS | 10 REB | 2 BLK | 3 3P
Shai — 15 PTS | 5 AST | 2 BLK
J-Dub — 20 PTS | 5 REB | 6 AST | 3 STL
Hart — 14 PTS | 8 REB | 5 AST
None of them played in the 4th quarter. pic.x.com/Uknp02VGy4 – 2:51 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Every Thunder starter plus one is in double digits.
SGA: 15 PTS
Dort: 12 PTS
JDub: 16 PTS
Chet: 16 PTS
Hartenstein: 14 PTS
Wiggins: 11 PTS
Ja Morant is the only Grizz player in double digits. – 2:44 PM
Every Thunder starter plus one is in double digits.
SGA: 15 PTS
Dort: 12 PTS
JDub: 16 PTS
Chet: 16 PTS
Hartenstein: 14 PTS
Wiggins: 11 PTS
Ja Morant is the only Grizz player in double digits. – 2:44 PM
Peter Vecsey @PeterVecsey1
Think about it!! OKC’s championship flavored first half (68-36) annihilation of Memphis, coupled with a minuscule input from SGA (2-10 FG, including 5-6 dry heaves from Candyland) comprehensibly clinches MVP conversation in Joker’s favor. – 2:39 PM
Think about it!! OKC’s championship flavored first half (68-36) annihilation of Memphis, coupled with a minuscule input from SGA (2-10 FG, including 5-6 dry heaves from Candyland) comprehensibly clinches MVP conversation in Joker’s favor. – 2:39 PM
Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Grizzlies with a 7:14 AST-TO ratio at halftime
And OKC can still be better lol… Shai had as many turnovers as buckets (2/10 FGs) – 2:22 PM
Grizzlies with a 7:14 AST-TO ratio at halftime
And OKC can still be better lol… Shai had as many turnovers as buckets (2/10 FGs) – 2:22 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits a side step three with a standing ovation and rasies his hands to the heavens. He has 9 points at the end of the first half. – 2:11 PM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits a side step three with a standing ovation and rasies his hands to the heavens. He has 9 points at the end of the first half. – 2:11 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Zach Edey gets a bucket, OKC calls a timeout up 63-30. SGA and Chet Holmgren checking back in. What a second quarter. Still 3:57 to go in the half. – 2:02 PM
Zach Edey gets a bucket, OKC calls a timeout up 63-30. SGA and Chet Holmgren checking back in. What a second quarter. Still 3:57 to go in the half. – 2:02 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
Thunder went from up 12 at the end of the first to up 51-22. With SGA on the bench. pic.x.com/rP9vk6hRtx – 1:53 PM
Thunder went from up 12 at the end of the first to up 51-22. With SGA on the bench. pic.x.com/rP9vk6hRtx – 1:53 PM
Drew Hill @DrewHill_DM
Thunder now on a 20-5 run. This has been, well, not that competitive so far. And SGA is 1-of-6 from the floor.
Rough. – 1:47 PM
Thunder now on a 20-5 run. This has been, well, not that competitive so far. And SGA is 1-of-6 from the floor.
Rough. – 1:47 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
The Thunder are ROLLING during the Non-SGA minutes to start the second. Memphis needs a timeout, this can get ugly. OKC is up 41-22. Memphis has to respond out of this stoppage. – 1:46 PM
The Thunder are ROLLING during the Non-SGA minutes to start the second. Memphis needs a timeout, this can get ugly. OKC is up 41-22. Memphis has to respond out of this stoppage. – 1:46 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder throwing an Easter block party.
SGA blocked Edey
Chet blocked Edey
Dort blocked Ja
It’s LOUD here in the Paycom.
Thunder up 13-9. – 1:21 PM
Thunder throwing an Easter block party.
SGA blocked Edey
Chet blocked Edey
Dort blocked Ja
It’s LOUD here in the Paycom.
Thunder up 13-9. – 1:21 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
SGA just swatted Zach Edey.
That’s a point guard.. blocking a 7’4 center. – 1:15 PM
SGA just swatted Zach Edey.
That’s a point guard.. blocking a 7’4 center. – 1:15 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
My godoness Shai. Gets the block on Edey and ties him up for a jump ball. – 1:13 PM
My godoness Shai. Gets the block on Edey and ties him up for a jump ball. – 1:13 PM
Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
What a step through by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get the scoring started – 1:11 PM
What a step through by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to get the scoring started – 1:11 PM
Nick DePaula @NickDePaula
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debuts the @Converse SHAI 001 in “Ares Gray” — honoring his son. pic.x.com/CHRkZyXNIO – 12:55 PM
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander debuts the @Converse SHAI 001 in “Ares Gray” — honoring his son. pic.x.com/CHRkZyXNIO – 12:55 PM
Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder starters vs Grizzlies
SGA
Dort
JDub
Chet
Hartenstein
Round 1. Game 1. – 12:33 PM
Thunder starters vs Grizzlies
SGA
Dort
JDub
Chet
Hartenstein
Round 1. Game 1. – 12:33 PM
Michael Grange @michaelgrange
“Man, I’m gonna work on that, I’m gonna show you …” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned potential into superstardom with a deliberate approach that has made him a likely MVP, and OKC into championship favourites. My Big Read for @Sportsnet sportsnet.ca/nba/longform/h… – 8:27 AM
“Man, I’m gonna work on that, I’m gonna show you …” — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander turned potential into superstardom with a deliberate approach that has made him a likely MVP, and OKC into championship favourites. My Big Read for @Sportsnet sportsnet.ca/nba/longform/h… – 8:27 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Christian Braun on Jokic not being able to get the ball faster from Van Gundy: “It’s pretty embarrassing for Jok. He’s in the weight room now.” 🤣
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 5:06 AM
Christian Braun on Jokic not being able to get the ball faster from Van Gundy: “It’s pretty embarrassing for Jok. He’s in the weight room now.” 🤣
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 5:06 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo waiting for Lillard’s return and shots to fall
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 4:35 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo waiting for Lillard’s return and shots to fall
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 4:35 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
😳 Giannis and Luka had the top two highest-scoring performances on Day 1 of the playoffs, but their teams got blown out! pic.x.com/O7prRTZ7Hz – 3:18 AM
😳 Giannis and Luka had the top two highest-scoring performances on Day 1 of the playoffs, but their teams got blown out! pic.x.com/O7prRTZ7Hz – 3:18 AM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
watching clippers/nuggets overtime again. i get why ty lue was sending kris dunn from his westbrook assignment to double jokic or murray, but it was just so painfully obvious he was coming that they were able to anticipate it everytime. westbrook could then cut for free and – 2:46 AM
watching clippers/nuggets overtime again. i get why ty lue was sending kris dunn from his westbrook assignment to double jokic or murray, but it was just so painfully obvious he was coming that they were able to anticipate it everytime. westbrook could then cut for free and – 2:46 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Nikola Jokic and Jeff Van Gundy fighting for the ball is hilarious! 😂
pic.x.com/TfjXoTWxfb – 2:06 AM
Nikola Jokic and Jeff Van Gundy fighting for the ball is hilarious! 😂
pic.x.com/TfjXoTWxfb – 2:06 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
“I think we can do a better job just spacing the floor better and being more decisive when we get the ball. Try to attack. Try to get in the paint. Try to create something either for yourself or for your teammate.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo
At @TheAthletic: nytimes.com/athletic/62928… – 9:47 PM
“I think we can do a better job just spacing the floor better and being more decisive when we get the ball. Try to attack. Try to get in the paint. Try to create something either for yourself or for your teammate.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo
At @TheAthletic: nytimes.com/athletic/62928… – 9:47 PM
Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
From the KYP department. Jokic was asked what a game like this can do for Russell Westbrook’s confidence. “His confidence?” Jokic said with a knowing look. “I think he has the most confidence of anyone in this” – 7:56 PM
From the KYP department. Jokic was asked what a game like this can do for Russell Westbrook’s confidence. “His confidence?” Jokic said with a knowing look. “I think he has the most confidence of anyone in this” – 7:56 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nikola Jokic says he doesn’t think the Clippers bench should’ve been able to hold onto the ball. He said the tug of war was a product of it being two on one. – 7:54 PM
Nikola Jokic says he doesn’t think the Clippers bench should’ve been able to hold onto the ball. He said the tug of war was a product of it being two on one. – 7:54 PM
Ramona Shelburne @ramonashelburne
The Nuggets got all kinds of jokes about the Joker-Jeff Van Gundy exchange. Christian Braun was like, “(JVG) looked pretty good. He held his own. He held onto the ball. It was pretty embarrassing for Jok. He’s in the weight room now.” – 7:30 PM
The Nuggets got all kinds of jokes about the Joker-Jeff Van Gundy exchange. Christian Braun was like, “(JVG) looked pretty good. He held his own. He held onto the ball. It was pretty embarrassing for Jok. He’s in the weight room now.” – 7:30 PM
Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Pacers pull away early behind quality defense against Antetokounmpo, go on to take Game 1 114-97
nbcsports.com/nba/news/pacer… – 5:47 PM
Pacers pull away early behind quality defense against Antetokounmpo, go on to take Game 1 114-97
nbcsports.com/nba/news/pacer… – 5:47 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s double-double not enough, Indiana Pacers take the lead over Milwaukee Bucks #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 4:03 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s double-double not enough, Indiana Pacers take the lead over Milwaukee Bucks #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/18… – 4:03 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Pacers beat Bucks 117-98 for Game 1 win — for the first time since ’18. Led most of the way, by as many as 28.
IND closed the 1H on 22-7 run. Siakam scored 25, Turner had 19, Nembhard with 17, and 10-7-12 from Haliburton. Giannis led all with 36/12.
Next: G2 on Tue. – 3:55 PM
Pacers beat Bucks 117-98 for Game 1 win — for the first time since ’18. Led most of the way, by as many as 28.
IND closed the 1H on 22-7 run. Siakam scored 25, Turner had 19, Nembhard with 17, and 10-7-12 from Haliburton. Giannis led all with 36/12.
Next: G2 on Tue. – 3:55 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
Giannis’ 12th career playoff game with 35+ PTS and 10+ REB wasn’t enough to help the Bucks get the win against the Pacers in Game 1. pic.x.com/ggmHNhKVVZ – 3:55 PM
Giannis’ 12th career playoff game with 35+ PTS and 10+ REB wasn’t enough to help the Bucks get the win against the Pacers in Game 1. pic.x.com/ggmHNhKVVZ – 3:55 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Siakam vs Bucks:
25 PTS
7 REB
10-15 FG
3-5 3P
5 straight wins vs Giannis in the playoffs. pic.x.com/jIhOOPbP1W – 3:46 PM
Siakam vs Bucks:
25 PTS
7 REB
10-15 FG
3-5 3P
5 straight wins vs Giannis in the playoffs. pic.x.com/jIhOOPbP1W – 3:46 PM
StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis in Game 1:
36 PTS
12 REB
2 BLK
and just 1 assist — his fewest in a game since January. pic.x.com/U6YchhQOrk – 3:40 PM
Giannis in Game 1:
36 PTS
12 REB
2 BLK
and just 1 assist — his fewest in a game since January. pic.x.com/U6YchhQOrk – 3:40 PM
Jason Dumas @JDumasReports
CLEAR reach-in foul on Giannis but they’ll praise the two blocks after LOL – 3:31 PM
CLEAR reach-in foul on Giannis but they’ll praise the two blocks after LOL – 3:31 PM
Steve Bulpett @SteveBHoop
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made 14 of 22 shots (64 pct). His teammates have made 17 of 50 (34 pct). The Bucks are way behind.
#Analytics – 3:24 PM
Giannis Antetokounmpo has made 14 of 22 shots (64 pct). His teammates have made 17 of 50 (34 pct). The Bucks are way behind.
#Analytics – 3:24 PM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
😂 Pacers fans were counting down during Giannis’ free throws and… it worked as Giannis missed both of them!
pic.x.com/EBJb9Z8gXC – 2:48 PM
😂 Pacers fans were counting down during Giannis’ free throws and… it worked as Giannis missed both of them!
pic.x.com/EBJb9Z8gXC – 2:48 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Nightmare of a start from Bucks not named Giannis
He’s 8/13
Rest of team: 10/32, 2/18 from 3 – 2:35 PM
Nightmare of a start from Bucks not named Giannis
He’s 8/13
Rest of team: 10/32, 2/18 from 3 – 2:35 PM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Pretty much a perfect half from Nembhard on both ends — super-disruptive rotating on defense, as was Siakam — meanwhile Giannis has 19, rest of Bucks have 24, Kuzma has 0. – 2:18 PM
Pretty much a perfect half from Nembhard on both ends — super-disruptive rotating on defense, as was Siakam — meanwhile Giannis has 19, rest of Bucks have 24, Kuzma has 0. – 2:18 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Dominant first half from the Pacers, up 67-43 on the Bucks. Giannis has 19 — and he needs more from teammates. Biggest surprise is they’re shooting 2/16 from deep.
Pacers shot 61%, made all 10 FTAs, + have 3 double figure scorers. Nembhard 15, Siakam 12, Mathurin has 10 – 2:15 PM
Dominant first half from the Pacers, up 67-43 on the Bucks. Giannis has 19 — and he needs more from teammates. Biggest surprise is they’re shooting 2/16 from deep.
Pacers shot 61%, made all 10 FTAs, + have 3 double figure scorers. Nembhard 15, Siakam 12, Mathurin has 10 – 2:15 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
That was a bad, desperate 3-try by Giannis — who has enhanced his mid-range game and limited his 3-point attempts. Stay in attack mode.
Pacers have grown their lead to 15 with 4mins left in the 2Q — and Haliburton only has 4pts. Good bench minutes from Mathurin, Walker. – 2:03 PM
That was a bad, desperate 3-try by Giannis — who has enhanced his mid-range game and limited his 3-point attempts. Stay in attack mode.
Pacers have grown their lead to 15 with 4mins left in the 2Q — and Haliburton only has 4pts. Good bench minutes from Mathurin, Walker. – 2:03 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Three big buckets from Gary Trent Jr. today. He’s gotten to his spots in the mid-range out of the two-man game and settled things a little bit in these minutes with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench.
Pacers still lead, 41-34, with 8:38 left in the second quarter though. – 1:47 PM
Three big buckets from Gary Trent Jr. today. He’s gotten to his spots in the mid-range out of the two-man game and settled things a little bit in these minutes with Giannis Antetokounmpo on the bench.
Pacers still lead, 41-34, with 8:38 left in the second quarter though. – 1:47 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
First empty trip to the line for Giannis. He’s 4/8 — and very well could average 15FTAs in the series.
The Pacers have yet to visit the line. – 1:34 PM
First empty trip to the line for Giannis. He’s 4/8 — and very well could average 15FTAs in the series.
The Pacers have yet to visit the line. – 1:34 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Not a great sign for Milwaukee to be getting this kind of offensive start from Giannis and be down 8. Of course, there are defensive consequences to running everything through Giannis on offense–he’s been a total non-factor on the other end. – 1:32 PM
Not a great sign for Milwaukee to be getting this kind of offensive start from Giannis and be down 8. Of course, there are defensive consequences to running everything through Giannis on offense–he’s been a total non-factor on the other end. – 1:32 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Jarace Walker in early off the bench, becomes the fourth different Pacer to guard Giannis already — along with Siakam, Nesmith, Turner.
That’s the plan.
Show him different looks, send multiple bodies, try to wear him down. – 1:30 PM
Jarace Walker in early off the bench, becomes the fourth different Pacer to guard Giannis already — along with Siakam, Nesmith, Turner.
That’s the plan.
Show him different looks, send multiple bodies, try to wear him down. – 1:30 PM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
Not seeing playoff Giannis defensively so far. Twice he’s missed at the rim and not gotten back, scored on at the rim by Nembhard, and failed to rotate to the corner on Nesmith’s 3. – 1:20 PM
Not seeing playoff Giannis defensively so far. Twice he’s missed at the rim and not gotten back, scored on at the rim by Nembhard, and failed to rotate to the corner on Nesmith’s 3. – 1:20 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Ryan Rollins starting out defending Haliburton — and he picked up full court. Make everything difficult.
At the other end, Siakam begins on Antetokounmpo. – 1:14 PM
Ryan Rollins starting out defending Haliburton — and he picked up full court. Make everything difficult.
At the other end, Siakam begins on Antetokounmpo. – 1:14 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Point Giannis is back. Healthy Giannis is back. You have my attention – 1:14 PM
Point Giannis is back. Healthy Giannis is back. You have my attention – 1:14 PM
Frank Madden @fmaddenNBA
Last time the Bucks played a playoff game without Khris Middleton on the roster, they scored 77 points in the last game of a sweep vs the LeBron Heat on April 28, 2013. But…
Bucks in 6 was born
Two months later they drafted Giannis.
Three months later they traded for Khris. pic.x.com/XkGfZuecrb – 12:53 PM
Last time the Bucks played a playoff game without Khris Middleton on the roster, they scored 77 points in the last game of a sweep vs the LeBron Heat on April 28, 2013. But…
Bucks in 6 was born
Two months later they drafted Giannis.
Three months later they traded for Khris. pic.x.com/XkGfZuecrb – 12:53 PM
Scott Agness @ScottAgness
Starters for R1G1: Pacers-Bucks
Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
Rollins, Prince, Kuzma, Antetokounmpo, Lopez – 12:36 PM
Starters for R1G1: Pacers-Bucks
Haliburton, Nembhard, Nesmith, Siakam, Turner
Rollins, Prince, Kuzma, Antetokounmpo, Lopez – 12:36 PM
NBA on ESPN @ESPNNBA
“This is the reason why I say Giannis is the second-greatest power forward behind Tim Duncan.” 😤
@KendrickPerkins on how Giannis can decide the winner of Bucks-Pacers 👀 pic.x.com/xEpq8uaPBo – 12:29 PM
“This is the reason why I say Giannis is the second-greatest power forward behind Tim Duncan.” 😤
@KendrickPerkins on how Giannis can decide the winner of Bucks-Pacers 👀 pic.x.com/xEpq8uaPBo – 12:29 PM
Lori Nickel @LoriNickel
Lori Nickel: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo opens up – just slightly – on his stay-healthy routine jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 6:55 AM
Lori Nickel: Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo opens up – just slightly – on his stay-healthy routine jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 6:55 AM
More on this storyline
“Our offense wasn’t good,” Antetokounmpo said. “Shots did not fall. It felt like it was Game 1. Guys get, like, anxious. They kind of inch in towards the ball because they want the ball. They want to make a play. They want to get themselves involved in the game, and I don’t think it’s from bad ego. “I feel like everybody’s trying to do the right thing. Everyone has the right intentions, but we just gotta be better, just having patience and just trusting. Trusting one another. Trusting that the ball is going to find us. Trusting that we’re going to make plays.” -via New York Times / April 19, 2025
The Bucks used more than half of the shot clock before trying to get to that look. When they did, Kyle Kuzma swung a pass to Rollins for a drive that Nembhard turned away, which resulted in a Rollins pull-up jumper at the free-throw line. “I think we can do a better job just spacing the floor better and being more decisive when we get the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “Try to attack. Try to get in the paint. Try to create something either for yourself or for your teammate.” -via New York Times / April 19, 2025
Jorge Sierra: FWIW: Giannis passed Allen Iverson in playoff scoring today. He’s No. 59 all-time now. -via Twitter @hoopshype / April 19, 2025
NBA Communications: The three finalists for the 2024-25 Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year Award: Jalen Brunson of @nyknicks Anthony Edwards of @Timberwolves Nikola Jokić of @nuggets -via Twitter / April 20, 2025
Jalen Brunson of @nyknicks Anthony Edwards of @Timberwolves Nikola Jokić of @nuggets -via Twitter / April 20, 2025
Vinny Benedetto: Nothing on the Last Two-Minute report re: the Nikola Jokic vs. Jeff Van Gundy and Jasen Powell wrestling match late in regulation. The L2M’s only missed call: Aaron Gordon should’ve been called for a foul on Kawhi Leonard in the final minute of overtime: -via Bluesky / April 20, 2025
Van Gundy joined forces with the team’s longtime trainer, Jasen Powell, to prevent Jokic from yanking the ball away in a bizarre interruption of Denver’s eventual Game 1 win. The visiting bench wasn’t issued a delay-of-game, despite Jokic’s protests. “I mean, my guys have gotta step it up. If we’re allowed to just grab the ball and stop plays from happening and it’s not a delay of game, what have we been doing all year?” Nuggets interim coach David Adelman said. “I was an assistant, so what was I doing all year? So if that is OK to do, and I guess that’s OK, then I guess we should start doing it. I’ve never seen that before, to be honest.” -via Denver Post / April 20, 2025
