Giannis Antetokounmpo on if game is better with amount of threes being attempted: Is it becoming better? I have no idea

However, for a team with NBA Finals aspirations, Williams sees Tuesday’s final matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the 2021 champion Bucks as a tremendous opportunity. “I think it’s a very good test for us later on to kind of understand the playoffs and just kind of simulate that,” Williams said. “That’s the biggest thing aside from the money. Just having the amount of media we have here and how intense the games are, it’s a good simulation of focus when we’re not on the court to be able to play and get the job done. Aside from that, we’re trying to replicate a playoff kind of feel and go from there.” -via Clutch Points / December 16, 2024

After the single-elimination game, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked to compare the atmosphere in Las Vegas to that of the EuroLeague Final Four, which he attended last season. “That was my first Final Four in Berlin this year. Obviously, the atmosphere there is a little bit different with the crowd of Olympiacos, Panathinaikos, Fenerbahce, and Real Madrid. It’s kind of different,” Giannis shared with a smile.” “I wish we had that kind of atmosphere in the NBA, but we don’t,” he continued. “But the intensity within the game, I think, is pretty much the same. Everyone understands that it’s one game, and you have to play well. If you don’t, you get knocked out.” -via BasketNews / December 15, 2024

The Lillard experience, meanwhile, has taken far more patience than they’d hoped. But this past month has been a long-awaited showcase of how special they can be together. Lillard, who had 25 points, seven assists and six rebounds against Atlanta, is one of just three players who are averaging at least 25 points and seven assists this season. “It takes time,” Antetokounmpo said. “You know, I feel like a lot of people had such high expectations from us on day one to be the best duo to ever play this game. But it takes time. Now it’s our second year playing together. We are more comfortable with one another, know one another’s spots better. And as you see, our chemistry has been getting way, way better. Down the stretch … we feel very, very comfortable we can both get to our spots and be more effective when we play that two main game this year.” -via New York Times / December 15, 2024