Game 4 of the NBA Finals was one of the best games in recent memory.
The Milwaukee Bucks needed to win in order to stay alive in this series.
A 3-1 series lead tends to be an impossible lead to give up; even though that has been a trend over the last five years.
However, the Bucks felt as though that it was a must-win game.
That feeling was met with a win, in what was a very close game throughout.
The Phoenix Suns looked as if they were going to win with a masterful performance from Devin Booker, especially in the third quarter scoring 18 points, while being perfect from the field.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the superstar of the Bucks, and perhaps, the best player in this series.
He needed to be great for the Bucks to win, just like how he was in Game 3.
Was Antetokounmpo up to par?
Did he provide the play that ultimately pushed them over the edge?
Let’s find out.
All-Around Game
Antetokounmpo can easily affect every aspect of the game.
That is what he did in Game 4.
He did not score as much as he did in the last two games, but provided elsewhere.
To go along with his 26 points, Antetokounmpo finished with 14 rebounds and eight assists.
Giannis with a near triple-double:
26 PTS | 14 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 2 BLK pic.twitter.com/oWe4xlRsQM
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 15, 2021
His performance was extremely well-rounded, despite scoring fewer than 30 points.
Even his presence contributes to the Bucks’ quest of a title.
When he rolls to the basket, the Suns focus heavily on him and allow open corner threes.
At one point of the game, Antetokounmpo was about to get an easy dunk on a fastbreak, but Booker decided to intentionally foul him.
That foul would be helpful for the Bucks as Booker was in foul trouble, while he was scorching hot.
Antetokounmpo was a key in every aspect of the game for this Bucks win.
Defensive Play Of The Playoffs
Antetokounmpo is a former Defensive Player of the Year for good reason.
He is a menace on that end of the court.
He is the perfect player to play help-side defense, as he is so long and athletic to block any shot in the paint.
Steals are also a part of his repertoire due to his length.
Both of those attributes were on display in Game 4.
He had two blocks and three steals.
There was one block that changed the game completely.
Giannis with one of the best blocks in NBA Finals history pic.twitter.com/oSRPvomtsg
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) July 15, 2021
The Suns ran a handoff with Deandre Ayton and Booker.
As Booker received the ball, Ayton then rolled to the basket.
Remember, Booker was on fire, so Antetokounmpo hedged onto Booker.
However, he realized that Ayton was rolling and was ready for the lob pass from Booker.
He turned to make a few steps and leaped in the air to stop the dunk.
This play was made with under two minutes left and the Bucks holding onto a two-point lead.
It was one of the best blocks we have ever seen and defined their victory.
Antetokounmpo was amazing on defense and that alone gave him a high grade for the game.
Grade: A+
NEXT: Where Does Giannis Antetokounmpo Rank Among NBA Stars?