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Giannis Antetokounmpo: 3 players the DPOY has shut down defensively

By Dalton Sell

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons posts up against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 13: Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons posts up against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter of the game at Little Caesars Arena on January 13, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Toronto Raptors: OG Anunoby
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 02 (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Giannis Antetokounmpo has consistently preached the importance of improving with the Milwaukee Bucks, which is apparent by his play on the defensive end.

The Greek Freak has continuously improved his stature on the defensive end year by year, which all culminating when he took home his first-ever Defensive Player of the Year award last season. He is having yet again another fantastic season as a defender by making a strong run to retain his title and win the award for the second consecutive year.

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In fact, in the latest edition of NBA.com’s DPOY ladder, Antetokounmpo ranks fourth as of April 20 with the race heating up down the final stretch of the regular season.

He continues climbing in the rankings, and rightfully so, as his numbers on the defensive end are on par with what they were last season in several of the main categories, if not better.

Also holding his own against some of the league’s most prominent names on a nightly basis, the two-time MVP has logged some fantastic individual performances defensively along the way.

Although it seems like a long shot that he will win the award back to back, there is no denying how stellar Giannis has been on that side of the ball this season. With that being said, here are three players that have struggled when matched up against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year to this point in the season.

First player Giannis Antetokounmpo has stopped defensively — OG Anunoby

In two of Milwaukee’s three matchups against the Toronto Raptors this season, Giannis oftentimes found himself matched up against OG Anunoby.

While Anunoby is more reputable as a defender, he has been having a career year offensively with a much-improved scoring touch. Scoring a career-high 14.8 points while shooting 47.3 percent from the floor and 39.3 percent from deep, he would be a tough cover. However, for the 9:48 that Antetokounmpo guarded him in these previous contests, he certainly struggled to get many baskets.

According to NBA.com/stats, Anunoby has shot 1-for-7 from the floor, including 0-for-4 from long range, when guarded by Giannis this year. Knocking down one of his shots from inside the arc and getting a pair of tries at the foul line, Anunoby scored just four total points in that 10-minute span against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.

It would have likely been more time, but Antetokounmpo has also taken on another top-notch assignment in Anunoby’s teammate Pascal Siakam. In just over 15 minutes of burn, which is the most time he has spent guarding any individual opponent this year, Antetokounmpo has held Siakam to 3-of-7 shooting.

Although the Raptors won the season series 2-1, Antetokounmpo certainly made his made defensively, particularly in the extended time he saw against OG Anunoby. These two teams are not scheduled to play again in the regular season, but a playoff matchup with these two going at it could be captivating.

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