Giannis Antetokounmpo: 3 players the DPOY has shut down defensively
By Dalton Sell
Second player Giannis Antetokounmpo has stopped defensively — Kawhi Leonard
Following their matchup in the 2019 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard certainly have some history between each other.
Every matchup since then between the two has brought back that eventful series, pegging this as a heavyweight matchup. Rightfully so, as these two are commonly regarded as two of the best defenders in the entire association, and that extra bit of history undoubtedly intensifies things further.
With everything taken into account, it is always must-see television whenever these two square off, even if they are not always predominantly matchup up against one another. That has been the case in Milwaukee’s two meetings with the LA Clippers this season, where Antetokounmpo has done a solid job of keeping the two-time Finals MVP at bay when he finds himself opposite of Leonard.
Taking him on for just over six total minutes this season, Antetokounmpo has held Leonard to just 2-of-6 shooting, including 1-of-3 from the perimeter for five points. Slowing down Leonard is a tall task for any given opponent, but it is certainly a welcoming sign to see Giannis hold his own, even if it is a rather small sample size.
Who knows, perhaps there will be yet another Antetokounmpo versus Leonard down the road this season on a much bigger stage for a rematch of that 2019 series between these two individuals. Seeing these two go at each other is always something to behold, and it would be thrilling to see it with much more on the line in another postseason setting.