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Milwaukee Bucks Player of the Week (Mar. 13th – Mar. 19th)

By John Heffernon

Mar 17, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes (22) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) takes a shot against Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes (22) in the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Milwaukee Bucks Player of the Week Rankings
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo
2. Khris Middleton
3. Jabari Parker

The former 15th overall pick played in all three games this week and averaged 35.2 minutes, 20.3 points (64.9 percent shooting), 9.7 rebounds, 11.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 2.7 blocks.

He led the Milwaukee Bucks in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks, and was second in steals. Additionally, he had the highest plus/minus on the team, +4.3, of any player who played in all three games this week.

There is not much to say besides simply that Giannis Antetokounmpo was far and away the Milwaukee Bucks best player this week. He notched his fourth career triple-double against the Brooklyn Nets in the first game of the week, he collected a double-double in the other two games, and he was one rebound away from averaging a triple-double for the week.

There are not a lot of words that can do Giannis’ performance this week justice. Regardless, I will try my best and will use many Vines when words just won’t do.

First off, Giannis was the Bucks best defender this week. He had the most blocks and defensive rebounds and the second most steals. Giannis was the only player in the NBA over the past three games to have at least 2.5 blocks and at least one steal per game. Since the All-Star break Antetokounmpo has been an elite defender and he continued to be this week.

Secondly, Antetokounmpo is a fantastic passer. Averaging over 11 assists per game for a multiple game stretch is something that point guards do. In fact, only Ricky Rubio and John Wall were able to join Giannis by averaging at least 11 assists in their past three games. Giannis is looking more and more like a legitimate NBA point guard.

I just want to take a second to connect the two points I’ve been talking about with Giannis so far. Who in the heck can average over 11 assists and 2.5 blocks per game for a multiple game stretch? I will venture to guess that doesn’t happen very often. And if it has happened, I will venture to guess it didn’t look this badass.

BLOCK PARTY:

POINT GIANNIS:

In all this statistical madness, Giannis did something else pretty crazy. He averaged just over 20 points per game while shooting just under 65 percent shooting from the field this week.

Of all the NBA players to score 20 or more points in their last three games, Giannis had the highest field goal percentage. Only two other players in the association even shot over 60 percent while scoring at least 20 per game.

One last thing. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks in free throw attempts this week, averaging 8.7 per contest. Only four NBA players averaged more free throw attempts than him in their past three games. All four of those players were All-Stars this season.

The Greek Freak earned his nickname this week. He was spectacular in every facet of the game. Not only was he the best Bucks player this week, but he was the best NBA player this week.

Here are Giannis’ NBA ranks over the past three games: 26th in points, tied for 16th in field goal percentage (for players who averaged at least 15 minutes per game), tied for 17th in rebounds, tied for 2nd in assists, tied for 13th in assists, and tied for first in blocks.

Next: Week 21 Wrap Up

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