• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Cold Wire

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About

The Cold Wire

Breaking News, Sports, Entertainment, TV, Tech ...

  • Home
  • Sports News
  • NFL
    • Arizona Cardinals
    • Atlanta Falcons
    • Baltimore Ravens
    • Buffalo Bills
    • Carolina Panthers
    • Chicago Bears
    • Cincinnati Bengals
    • Cleveland Browns
    • Dallas Cowboys
    • Denver Broncos
    • Detroit Lions
    • Green Bay Packers
    • Houston Texans
    • Indianapolis Colts
    • Jacksonville Jaguars
    • Kansas City Chiefs
    • Las Vegas Raiders
    • Los Angeles Chargers
    • Los Angeles Rams
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Minnesota Vikings
    • New England Patriots
    • New Orleans Saints
    • New York Giants
    • New York Jets
    • Philadelphia Eagles
    • Pittsburgh Steelers
    • San Francisco 49ers
    • Seattle Seahawks
    • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    • Tennessee Titans
    • Washington Commanders
  • MLB
    • Arizona Diamondbacks
    • Atlanta Braves
    • Baltimore Orioles
    • Boston Red Sox
    • Chicago Cubs
    • Chicago White Sox
    • Cincinnati Reds
    • Cleveland Guardians
    • Colorado Rockies
    • Detroit Tigers
    • Houston Astros
    • Kansas City Royals
    • Los Angeles Angels
    • Los Angeles Dodgers
    • Miami Marlins
    • Milwaukee Brewers
    • Minnesota Twins
    • New York Mets
    • New York Yankees
    • Oakland Athletics
    • Philadelphia Phillies
    • Pittsburgh Pirates
    • San Diego Padres
    • San Francisco Giants
    • Seattle Mariners
    • St. Louis Cardinals
    • Tampa Bay Rays
    • Texas Rangers
    • Toronto Blue Jays
    • Washington Nationals
  • NBA
    • Atlanta Hawks
    • Boston Celtics
    • Brooklyn Nets
    • Charlotte Hornets
    • Chicago Bulls
    • Cleveland Cavaliers
    • Dallas Mavericks
    • Denver Nuggets
    • Detroit Pistons
    • Golden State Warriors
    • Houston Rockets
    • Indiana Pacers
    • Los Angeles Clippers
    • Los Angeles Lakers
    • Memphis Grizzlies
    • Miami Heat
    • Milwaukee Bucks
    • Minnesota Timberwolves
    • New Orleans Pelicans
    • New York Knicks
    • Oklahoma City Thunder
    • Orlando Magic
    • Philadelphia 76ers
    • Phoenix Suns
    • Portland Trailblazers
    • Sacramento Kings
    • San Antonio Spurs
    • Toronto Raptors
    • Utah Jazz
    • Washington Wizards
  • Entertainment
  • About
You are here: Home / Sports / NBA / Milwaukee Bucks Rumors And News (Updated Daily) / Without Khris Middleton, Giannis Can Prove He’s The NBA’s MVP

Without Khris Middleton, Giannis Can Prove He’s The NBA’s MVP

Avatar photo
April 23, 2022
By Robert Marvi
@robmarv01
Leave a Comment
Follow Robert Marvi on Google News Follow Us

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks backcourt during the second quarter of Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on April 22, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

 

In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals between the Milwaukee Bucks and Chicago Bulls, Khris Middleton, one of the Bucks’ best and most important players, went down with a sprained MCL.

The Bucks lost the contest, 114-110, and their prospects of repeating as NBA world champions became murky, especially with the series moving to Illinois.

Middleton is expected to be out for at least two weeks, which means that he could possibly miss all of the next round of the playoffs if Milwaukee makes it there.

But without him, the Bucks dominated the Bulls in Game 3, 111-81, and although Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t have one of his greatest games, he made his presence felt.

This is his chance to prove that he is really worthy of the National Basketball Association’s MVP award, regardless of how the balloting for the honor actually goes.

 

Antetokounmpo Has A Very Strong Case Already For Being The Best In The World

The Greek Freak has already won two regular-season MVP awards and the NBA Finals MVP last year, and his numbers and performance this season make a strong case for him winning the 2021-22 MVP trophy.

He averaged 29.9 points, 11.6 rebounds, 5.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.4 blocked shots per game this year while making 55.3 percent of his shots from the field.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid may be more dominant in the low post, and the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić, last year’s MVP winner, is a better passer, but Antetokounmpo is a better all-around player than both of them on either end of the floor.

Giannis Antetokounmpo in a clutch win against the 76ers

40 Points
14 Rebounds
6 Assists
3 Blocks
66% FG

MVP & DPOY pic.twitter.com/kK66xhPBfz

— 𝙆𝙨𝙤 (@IcyKso) March 30, 2022

In Game 3 on Friday, he was relatively quiet, contributing 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, seven rebounds and nine assists in 29 minutes, which seem like weak numbers by his standards.

But his best wasn’t needed, as the Bucks got out to a 33-17 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back.

Giannis got it done on both ends of the floor for the @Bucks in their Game 3 W! #FearTheDeer@Giannis_An34: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 9 AST

Game 4: BUCKS/BULLS, Sun. 1pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/3g7M4cFJrs

— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2022

Having taken a 2-1 series lead and regained the home-court advantage, Milwaukee is back in the driver’s seat in this series, and given that the Bulls apparently don’t know how to win or close yet, perhaps Antetokounmpo won’t have to kick things into fifth gear for a little while.

 

The Next Round Could Be Antetokounmpo’s Opportunity

If the Bucks get past the Bulls, they will face either the Boston Celtics or Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Both squads feature a duo of talented and skilled stars who can put up points in bunches: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown for the Celtics, and Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant for the Nets.

In addition, the Celtics boast one of pro basketball’s best defenses, while Brooklyn has several complementary role players who can go off and hurt its opposition such as Seth Curry and Patty Mills.

With Middleton unlikely to be able to return for the start of either potential matchup, Antetokounmpo will be matched up versus two other MVP-caliber players in Tatum and Durant.

If he outplays them, or at least plays them to a draw, while leading the Bucks to a series advantage or win when Middleton is cleared to play, Antetokounmpo will make an undeniable impression in the minds of all.

    Get ALL the latest NBA news straight to your inbox! Subscribe to the Cold Wire NBA newsletter here!    

Filed Under: Milwaukee Bucks Rumors And News (Updated Daily), NBA

Avatar photo

About Robert Marvi

Robert is a Los Angeles-area native and has been an avid NFL and NBA fan since he was a little kid. He feels strongly that pro sports aren't just a form of entertainment, but also a great way to learn life lessons and find inspiration.

Suggest a correction

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow The Cold Wire!

More News

Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on October 31, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Bucks Are Losing A Beloved Player To Injury

2 days ago

Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives around Chris Boucher #25 of the Toronto Raptors during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 17, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks defeated the Raptors 130-122.

Bobby Portis Has Become A Star Off The Bench

3 days ago

Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2022 in New York City.

The Knicks And Bucks Are Talking Of A Possible Trade

4 days ago

Serge Ibaka #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks to the bench during the first half of a game against the Indiana Pacers at Fiserv Forum on February 15, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Bucks Make Big Roster Decision

7 days ago

Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three point shot during the second half of a game against the Toronto Raptors at Fiserv Forum on January 17, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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.

Brook Lopez Got Ejected For A Hilarious Act Tuesday Night

1 week ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on January 09, 2023 in New York City.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Hits A Surprising Low

2 weeks ago

Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 23, 2022 in New York City.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Celebrates His Favorite Big Man

2 weeks ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Mark Williams #5 of the Charlotte Hornets during a game at Fiserv Forum on January 06, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Is Being Punished Outside The Paint

3 weeks ago

An NBA logo is shown at the 5th Avenue NBA store on March 12, 2020 in New York City. The National Basketball Association said they would suspend all games after player Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz reportedly tested positive for the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

NBA Analyst Says There Is No Doubt About 2 Best Players In The NBA

3 weeks ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the net over Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on January 4, 2023 in Toronto, Canada. 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.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Made Unbelievable NBA History

3 weeks ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the third quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on December 23, 2022 in New York City.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Isn't Slowing Down

3 weeks ago

Bobby Portis #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Nathan Knight #13 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 30, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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.

NBA Insider Makes An Award Case For Bobby Portis

3 weeks ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a score during the second half of a game against the Washington Wizards at Fiserv Forum on January 03, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Joined Elite Company Tuesday Night

3 weeks ago

Cam Reddish #0 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a basket during the first quarter of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2022 in New York City. 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.

3 Notable Teams Showing Interest In Cam Reddish

1 month ago

Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Klay Thompson #11 of the Golden State Warriors during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Bucks Player Raised A Few Eyebrows On Thursday

1 month ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks participates in warmups prior to a game against the Golden State Warriors at Fiserv Forum on December 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Talks About A Common Complaint

1 month ago

Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Bucks Try To Calm Fans About A Concerning Injury

2 months ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after committing a foul against the Philadelphia 76ers in the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center on November 18, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 110-102.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Battle For MVP Continues

2 months ago

LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after his basket in front of Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks at Staples Center on March 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California.

Two NBA Titans Will Face Off Friday Night

2 months ago

Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks drives past Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a game at Fiserv Forum on April 03, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Bucks Might Be Getting A Major Superstar Back

2 months ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives around Shaedon Sharpe #17 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 21, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Gave Love To An Old Ally

2 months ago

Grayson Allen#12 of Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball during the second preseason NBA game between Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks at Etihad Arena on October 08, 2022 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Bucks Star Was Playing Perfectly On Sunday Night

2 months ago

Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on November 21, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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.

Are The Bucks The Best Team In The East?

2 months ago

Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at State Farm Arena on November 07, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Brook Lopez Is Continuing His Stellar Season

2 months ago

Primary Sidebar

Search The Cold Wire

Footer

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Editorial Guidelines

Contact Us

Sitemap

Advertise

Follow us on

Copyright © 2023  ColdWireMedia · ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ·TheColdWire.com

Suggest a Correction

Without Khris Middleton, Giannis Can Prove He's The NBA's MVP

1000 characters remaining