Doc Rivers blames voter fatigue for Giannis Antetokounmpo not getting more MVP love
Before Friday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers offered a simple explanation when asked why Giannis Antetokounmpo isn’t a larger part of NBA MVP conversations. “I don’t even want to get into it, but there’s been guys that you get tired of voting for,” Rivers said. “Michael Jordan may be the poster child of that. “And Giannis seems to be in that category; where you’re so good, everything you do is taken for granted. When you just look at his numbers, they’re incredible, and yet, you never hear his name. It’s unbelievable, but that’s a sign of respect more than disrespect in some ways.”
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Last night, Doc Rivers offered a theory on why Giannis Antetokounmpo is not a bigger part of the MVP conversation.
“There’s been guys that you get tired of voting for. And Giannis seems to be in that category.”
Then, Antetokounmpo did something historic. theathletic.com/5311527/2024/0… – 11:37 AM
Last night, Doc Rivers offered a theory on why Giannis Antetokounmpo is not a bigger part of the MVP conversation.
“There’s been guys that you get tired of voting for. And Giannis seems to be in that category.”
Then, Antetokounmpo did something historic. theathletic.com/5311527/2024/0… – 11:37 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Alex Antetokounmpo debuts in Lithuanian Basketball League with 2⃣ three-pointers 🤩
🎥 @betsafeLKL pic.twitter.com/JdTaOqOhWq – 10:04 AM
Alex Antetokounmpo debuts in Lithuanian Basketball League with 2⃣ three-pointers 🤩
🎥 @betsafeLKL pic.twitter.com/JdTaOqOhWq – 10:04 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
Giannis Antetokounmpo is now the top player of the season, per HoopsHype’s Global Rating.
Mind you, Giannis, Shai and Jokic have lost five games combined this year. pic.twitter.com/7WfWTnd2Di – 9:22 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo is now the top player of the season, per HoopsHype’s Global Rating.
Mind you, Giannis, Shai and Jokic have lost five games combined this year. pic.twitter.com/7WfWTnd2Di – 9:22 AM
Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a 46-point double-double over Chicago 🇬🇷
@Giannis_An34 is now the winningest player in Milwaukee’s history:
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 4:39 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a 46-point double-double over Chicago 🇬🇷
@Giannis_An34 is now the winningest player in Milwaukee’s history:
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/16… – 4:39 AM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Good morning! 🌅
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 46 points as the #Bucks dominated the Bulls 113-97 in a feisty game
💪 AJ Green hits the deck but “BP & Pat Bev” back him up
👥👥 Doc Rivers adjusts lineups, keys fourth quarter surge
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 2:21 AM
Good morning! 🌅
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 46 points as the #Bucks dominated the Bulls 113-97 in a feisty game
💪 AJ Green hits the deck but “BP & Pat Bev” back him up
👥👥 Doc Rivers adjusts lineups, keys fourth quarter surge
jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 2:21 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Giannis Antetokounmpo must have eyes in the back of his head to make this pass 😳
pic.twitter.com/kD8YsbXoyI – 1:47 AM
Giannis Antetokounmpo must have eyes in the back of his head to make this pass 😳
pic.twitter.com/kD8YsbXoyI – 1:47 AM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (872) has scored more points than Giannis (860) since January 1st. They’ve both played 28 games since then – 12:42 AM
Only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (872) has scored more points than Giannis (860) since January 1st. They’ve both played 28 games since then – 12:42 AM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
Bucks 4th Straight game holding their opponents under 100 points!!! Looks like old Excuse Making Doc Rivers got the ears of that locker room. Don’t mind me and Carry the hell on… – 12:41 AM
Bucks 4th Straight game holding their opponents under 100 points!!! Looks like old Excuse Making Doc Rivers got the ears of that locker room. Don’t mind me and Carry the hell on… – 12:41 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Players with a 45/15/5 game on 70% shooting:
Wilt Chamberlain (3x)
Bob McAdoo
Joel Embiid
And now, Giannis. pic.twitter.com/opdJu1gu9C – 12:36 AM
Players with a 45/15/5 game on 70% shooting:
Wilt Chamberlain (3x)
Bob McAdoo
Joel Embiid
And now, Giannis. pic.twitter.com/opdJu1gu9C – 12:36 AM
StatMuse @statmuse
Giannis tonight:
46 PTS
16 REB
6 AST
16-22 FG
The 4th player in NBA history with a 45/15/5 game on 70 FG%. statmuse.com/nba/player/gia… – 12:36 AM
Giannis tonight:
46 PTS
16 REB
6 AST
16-22 FG
The 4th player in NBA history with a 45/15/5 game on 70 FG%. statmuse.com/nba/player/gia… – 12:36 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Giannis 46 pts, 16 rebs, 6 assists
It’s the most points he has scored against the Bulls in his career – 12:34 AM
Giannis 46 pts, 16 rebs, 6 assists
It’s the most points he has scored against the Bulls in his career – 12:34 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Surprised Giannis and Dame are still in this game. Bulls have pulled plug on DeMar long ago. Bucks up 13 with 2:17 left. – 12:30 AM
Surprised Giannis and Dame are still in this game. Bulls have pulled plug on DeMar long ago. Bucks up 13 with 2:17 left. – 12:30 AM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
Bucks 58, Bulls 44 at half
Vucevic 15 pts
DeRozan 0-6 FGs, 2 pts, 6 assists
Giannis 23 pts, 8 rebs, 4 assists
Lillard 12 pts, 4 assists
Portis Jr. 8 pts, 5 rebs – 11:15 PM
Bucks 58, Bulls 44 at half
Vucevic 15 pts
DeRozan 0-6 FGs, 2 pts, 6 assists
Giannis 23 pts, 8 rebs, 4 assists
Lillard 12 pts, 4 assists
Portis Jr. 8 pts, 5 rebs – 11:15 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Don’t normally clip plays during games, but I haven’t seen this highlight making the rounds yet.
Ridiculous pass from Giannis Antetokounmpo. pic.twitter.com/dA8elqeCZx – 10:37 PM
Don’t normally clip plays during games, but I haven’t seen this highlight making the rounds yet.
Ridiculous pass from Giannis Antetokounmpo. pic.twitter.com/dA8elqeCZx – 10:37 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Bulls fans have begun counting down Giannis every time he lines up at the free throw line. Guy sitting court side lost his mind after getting to 13 (admittedly on a very fast count). – 10:28 PM
Bulls fans have begun counting down Giannis every time he lines up at the free throw line. Guy sitting court side lost his mind after getting to 13 (admittedly on a very fast count). – 10:28 PM
Julia Poe @byjuliapoe
Drummond with a big block on Giannis as he comes in as the early sub for Caruso. Back to the two-big look. – 10:23 PM
Drummond with a big block on Giannis as he comes in as the early sub for Caruso. Back to the two-big look. – 10:23 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Coming up at halftime on Bulls Radio–former Bull, Eddy Curry will join us- @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network.
Pre Game Doc Rivers on 9PM starts and scouting DeMar DeRozan. Billy Donovan on DeMar’s amazing month of February. – 9:14 PM
Coming up at halftime on Bulls Radio–former Bull, Eddy Curry will join us- @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network.
Pre Game Doc Rivers on 9PM starts and scouting DeMar DeRozan. Billy Donovan on DeMar’s amazing month of February. – 9:14 PM
KC Johnson @KCJHoop
We’ve reached the point of the NBA season where Doc Rivers is answering pregame questions about Onuralp Bitim. – 8:41 PM
We’ve reached the point of the NBA season where Doc Rivers is answering pregame questions about Onuralp Bitim. – 8:41 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Some great matchups tonight. I’m expecting Caruso to guard Giannis and Ayo on Lillard @670TheScore 8:45 pre. Bulls ball ! – 8:22 PM
Some great matchups tonight. I’m expecting Caruso to guard Giannis and Ayo on Lillard @670TheScore 8:45 pre. Bulls ball ! – 8:22 PM
Jim Owczarski @JimOwczarski
Former Dominican High School star Alex Antetokounmpo signs with Lithuanian team jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 7:04 PM
Former Dominican High School star Alex Antetokounmpo signs with Lithuanian team jsonline.com/story/sports/n… via @journalsentinel – 7:04 PM
Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins
The big men are coming out to EAT tonight! 🍽 I’ve got Duren, Poeltl, & Antetokounmpo each to record over 9.5 rebounds. Who’s riding on @ESPNBet?? #ad pic.twitter.com/bapmo0SICT – 4:17 PM
The big men are coming out to EAT tonight! 🍽 I’ve got Duren, Poeltl, & Antetokounmpo each to record over 9.5 rebounds. Who’s riding on @ESPNBet?? #ad pic.twitter.com/bapmo0SICT – 4:17 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
The Bucks have submitted an injury report for tonight’s 9pm game against the Bulls in Chicago.
Probable
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right knee patellar tendinitis)
Out
Khris Middleton (left ankle sprain)
Chris Livingston (G-League assignment)
Rollins (2-way)
Washington Jr. (2-way) – 2:37 PM
The Bucks have submitted an injury report for tonight’s 9pm game against the Bulls in Chicago.
Probable
Giannis Antetokounmpo (right knee patellar tendinitis)
Out
Khris Middleton (left ankle sprain)
Chris Livingston (G-League assignment)
Rollins (2-way)
Washington Jr. (2-way) – 2:37 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
NBA Injury Report: Khris Middleton remains sidelined for the Bucks (ankle) Giannis is good to go- Caruso questionable ( hamstring)-update from Billy Donovan at 7:15. Pre game 8:45- not a typo ( national tv) @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network. Fired up! – 2:16 PM
NBA Injury Report: Khris Middleton remains sidelined for the Bucks (ankle) Giannis is good to go- Caruso questionable ( hamstring)-update from Billy Donovan at 7:15. Pre game 8:45- not a typo ( national tv) @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network. Fired up! – 2:16 PM
Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
NBA Injury Report: Khris Middleton remains sidelined for the Bucks (ankle) Giannis is good to go- Caruso questionable ( hamstring)-update from Billy Donovan at 7:15. Pre game 8:45- not a type ( national tv) @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network. Fired up! – 1:42 PM
NBA Injury Report: Khris Middleton remains sidelined for the Bucks (ankle) Giannis is good to go- Caruso questionable ( hamstring)-update from Billy Donovan at 7:15. Pre game 8:45- not a type ( national tv) @670TheScore @chicagobulls radio network. Fired up! – 1:42 PM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
Joined the Tampering squad (@sam_amick, @anthonyVslater, @FredKatz) to talk about the Bucks on The Athletic NBA Show.
– Are the Bucks good again?
– What’s up with Doc Rivers?
– Should Giannis Antetokounmpo be MVP?
Apple: apple.co/3jpVA3i
Spotify: spoti.fi/2OJXcHe – 11:14 AM
Joined the Tampering squad (@sam_amick, @anthonyVslater, @FredKatz) to talk about the Bucks on The Athletic NBA Show.
– Are the Bucks good again?
– What’s up with Doc Rivers?
– Should Giannis Antetokounmpo be MVP?
Apple: apple.co/3jpVA3i
Spotify: spoti.fi/2OJXcHe – 11:14 AM
Eric Nehm @eric_nehm
When Doc Rivers entered Thursday’s post-game locker room, he gave his team a simple description of their play.
“A great professional win.”
The Bucks know no one is impressed with two wins over the Hornets, but that didn’t keep them from doing their jobs. theathletic.com/5309419/2024/0… – 10:04 AM
When Doc Rivers entered Thursday’s post-game locker room, he gave his team a simple description of their play.
“A great professional win.”
The Bucks know no one is impressed with two wins over the Hornets, but that didn’t keep them from doing their jobs. theathletic.com/5309419/2024/0… – 10:04 AM
BasketNews @BasketNews_com
Doc Rivers’ reaction after Thanasis Antetokounmpo got a technical foul from the bench 😂
pic.twitter.com/7Ssyz74uRV – 2:49 AM
Doc Rivers’ reaction after Thanasis Antetokounmpo got a technical foul from the bench 😂
pic.twitter.com/7Ssyz74uRV – 2:49 AM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
The @Bucks 110.1 D-RTG under Doc Rivers is now 4th best in the NBA during that stretch with 4 of those 14 games being played against teams in the top 11 in O-RTG – 10:41 PM
The @Bucks 110.1 D-RTG under Doc Rivers is now 4th best in the NBA during that stretch with 4 of those 14 games being played against teams in the top 11 in O-RTG – 10:41 PM
Justin Garcia @tmjgarcia
5th time the @Bucks have held an opponent under 100 points since Doc Rivers took over – 9:20 PM
5th time the @Bucks have held an opponent under 100 points since Doc Rivers took over – 9:20 PM
More on this storyline
For years, as far back as his exclusive interview with The Athletic following the Bucks’ 2021 NBA championship run, Antetokounmpo has felt as though his passing sometimes gets underrated, but his nightly highlight passes this season, as well as a career-high 6.3 assists per game, seem to have brought attention to his ability as a high-level distributor. “I’ve become a more willing passer this year because my teammates are pretty freaking good, but I think I always could pass,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “Coming into the league, that was my thing that separated me, but we didn’t have a lot of TV games, and a lot of people didn’t pay attention to Milwaukee. “So, people see me do a pass now, it’s like, ‘Oh, he can pass!’ I’ve been passing. I’m the all-time assist leader in Milwaukee. ‘Oh, he can pass!’ Of course, I can pass.” -via The Athletic / March 2, 2024
Justin Kubatko: Giannis Antetokounmpo last night: 
46 PTS 16 REB 6 AST 16-22 FG It’s the 20th time he’s recorded a 40-point game while shooting at least 70% from the field, tying Adrian Dantley for the most such games in NBA history. Today’s free game notes: statitudes.com/p/nba-game-not… -via Twitter @jkubatko / March 2, 2024
46 PTS 16 REB 6 AST 16-22 FG It’s the 20th time he’s recorded a 40-point game while shooting at least 70% from the field, tying Adrian Dantley for the most such games in NBA history. Today’s free game notes: statitudes.com/p/nba-game-not… -via Twitter @jkubatko / March 2, 2024
Clutch Points: “I said how everybody got to do a better job, even the equipment manager… I got to take it back. They’ve been unbelievable… Now they’ve got to go back to the teams… and ask for a raise.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo 😆 (via @Giannis_An34) pic.twitter.com/daIf9CkUr8 -via Twitter @ClutchPointsApp / March 1, 2024