Giannis Antetokounmpo: 3 players the DPOY has shut down defensively

By Dalton Sell | Apr 22, 2021

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, Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin

Jan 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Third player Giannis Antetokounmpo has stopped defensively — Blake Griffin

The tension between Giannis and Blake Griffin has seemingly existed since they clashed in the first round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, and every meeting since has been a must-see.

That remained the case in both matchups between the Bucks and Griffin’s former team, the Detroit Pistons. Guarding the six-time All-Star for nearly 12 and a half minutes this season, Antetokounmpo has made his mark by holding Griffin to just nine points on 3-of-9 shooting, including a vile 1-of-6 from long range. Griffin has logged three turnovers with Giannis as his primary defender in their matchups this year, in addition to his poor shooting numbers.

Giannis and the Bucks will see Griffin again fairly soon, but it will not come with him as the primary option for the Pistons. Since their last meeting, he has since joined the Brooklyn Nets after securing a buyout from Detroit earlier this year, joining Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kevin Durant.

Next. 5 players Jrue Holiday has shut down on defense. dark

The Bucks have a double-header coming up against the Nets early next month, and we should see more of Antetokounmpo going up against Griffin in those two matchups. If so, hopefully the MVP can pick things up right where he left off and keep Griffin’s contributions limited throughout these two upcoming contests.

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