With the dominant games that Giannis Antetokounmpo has been putting forth lately, this news doesn’t come as a surprise:
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week, respectively, for Week 5 of the 2024-25 season (Nov. 18-24). pic.twitter.com/3Nii7QMYWg
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 25, 2024
Here are the other nominees:
Other nominees…
West: Anthony Davis and LeBron James (LAL), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC), James Harden and Ivica Zubac (LAC), Kyrie Irving (DAL) and Andrew Wiggins (GSW)
East: LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller (CHA), Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum (BOS), Jimmy Butler (MIA), Ty… https://t.co/NoZlRTDOfk
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) November 25, 2024
This comes after Antetokounmpo was a finalist last week. It’s also the first time this season that a Buck has earned this award and the 24th of Giannis’ career. His last time winning the award was last January.
Giannis’ success has translated into success for the Bucks, as he’s been the main ingredient in their 4-0 record over the last week. During that stretch, he’s averaged 32.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 61.2% from the field.
After recording 20 points and 13 rebounds against the Rockets on Monday, he then erupted for 41 points against the Bulls on Wednesday. That was a game that highlighted his efficiency, as he did so on 70% shooting (17/24 from the floor). That was the 21st game of his career scoring 40+ points on 70% shooting. He then recorded his second triple-double of the season against Indiana with 37 points, ten rebounds, and 11 assists. His week then concluded with a 32-point, 11-rebound performance against Charlotte on Saturday.
Overall on the year, Antetokounmpo is now averaging a league-high 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds (6th in the NBA), and 6.4 assists (T-19th in the NBA) this season while shooting 60.8% from the field (8th in the NBA).
Additionally, he continues to pick up career accolades. On Saturday, he reached 19,020 career points, becoming the ninth active NBA player to score 19,000 career points.
The efficiency is what really stands out with Antetokounmpo’s performance. He’s on pace to tally the second season in NBA history with 30+ points on 60% shooting, after he became the first player in league history to reach those figures in a season in 2023-24.
It’ll be exciting to see how he improves on this recent stretch, as both he and the Bucks have been absolutely locked in as of late.