3. A Superstar Is Born
Everyone knew that Giannis Antetoukounmpo was going to show up in the playoffs after a regular season that saw him go from young star to bonafide superstar. And yet, when he went in for a monstrous slam early in the first quarter, it forced us to question whether we’d still undersold just how dominant the Greek Freak has become.
GIANNIS only needed to dribble twice from half court 😳#NBAPlayoffs2017 https://t.co/PqTlHt7E7V
— Dime (@DimeUPROXX) April 15, 2017
The 22-year old leader of these young Bucks was sensational in Game 1, finishing with 28 points (on 72% shooting!) and eight rebounds. From the opening tip, there was no question as to who the best player in this series is.
DeRozan and Lowry are stellar. Antetokounmpo is on another level. A point guard in a power forward’s body, his court vision and relentless motor set the tone. The second-minute dunk not only served as his welcome-back playoffs moment, it set the tone for what the Bucks set out to do.
Attack, attack, and then attack again.
Must Read: What We Learned From The Opening Weekend In The Playoffs
The physical Toronto Raptors were run ragged by the Bucks sizable speed differential. And when the Raptors tried to make it close in the 4th quarter, Antetokounmpo delivered a demoralizing block and strut (silly technical foul be damned). If this is what is to come in the remaining games, it might not matter if DeRozan and Lowry remember how to shoot again.