Ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon has chimed in regarding the star duel between teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard. For the third-year man, Antetokounmpo is this year's MVP and will simply outclass Leonard.
“It’s going to be a great matchup. Of course, I am going to go with my guy Giannis,” Brogdon said, per Marc J. Spears of the Undefeated. “I think he is the MVP this year. But he has a great player on his hands. An MVP needs to win. And Giannis showed this year that he cannot only average the points but play both sides at the highest level and win more than any other player in the NBA.
From Brogdon's observation, the Greek Freak has gotten better through the years. But more than his basketball skill, it's Antetokounmpo's leadership which impresses him the most.
“Every season he seems to get better even when you think he can’t. He’s shooting the 3-ball a lot better. … His leadership is the main thing that continues to get better. Of course, he is going to work hard. He is going to average damn near 30 points a game. But his leadership and being vocal every day has gotten better.”
Yet more than a duel between Leonard and Antetokounmpo — two of basketball's elites — everyone's eyes will be locked on the whole Raptors and Bucks squad.
Milwaukee made easy work of the Boston Celtics in their second-round meeting, needing only five games to close out the series. On the other hand, Toronto needed a miraculous buzzer-beater from Kawhi Leonard to repel the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 7.
The victors will likely be the team who will provide the best support to their stars. Antetokounmpo has an All-Star partner in Khris Middleton. Meanwhile, Leonard has Kyle Lowry — who undoubtedly needs to step up more if the team wants to reach the NBA Finals.
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