Giannis Antetokounmpo: 3 reasons he deserves MVP consideration

Giannis Antetokounmpo is having another fantastic season statistically

While health and team record will play a factor in the final MVP vote this season, individual play is certainly the biggest component in the race.

In that case, Antetokounmpo is once again having one of the best seasons of his career by averaging 28.8 points on a .565/.302/.687 slash line, 11.4 rebounds, and a career-high 6.2 assists per game. Those are undoubtedly MVP-caliber numbers from the Greek Freak, and he certainly deserves recognition for them as the recent voter fatigue has started to fade.

Despite winning MVP in each of the last two seasons, Antetokounmpo entered this season with a different mindset following the team’s second playoff flameout. This year has been all about staying in the moment and just having fun playing basketball as he described during his recent media availability, which comes courtesy of the Star Tribune’s Stephen Whyno:

"“When I’m gonna be taking my nap, going through my routine, going through film, taking my 20-minute walk every day, I’m gonna be in that moment,” he said. “I’ve done a better job this year just enjoying this moment and not letting my mind explore as much and start thinking about playoffs, outcome, championship, no championship because at the end of the day, this is a stressful job that we’re doing. You’re gonna stress yourself out.”"

It is safe to say that this new take on the game has been a success for Antetokounmpo, as he continues putting up fantastic numbers on a nightly basis. This joyous approach has potentially been the best thing for him after a pair of crushing playoff defeats. With all of that in the rearview, Giannis is taking things one step at a time, which continues producing results.

Take last night’s game against the Blazers for example as Giannis put on an MVP performance with a season-high with 47 points in the 127-109 win. He was virtually unstoppable as he continues working his way up the ladder down the stretch.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s third consecutive run at an MVP award this season will be a storyline worth watching for the remainder of the season, and time will tell if he can pull off the historical feat.