NEW YORK _ With the ball at the baseline and some room to operate, the New York Knicks defender really had no chance against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. The player known as the Greek Freak spun around on the baseline to free himself and then went in for an over-the-head backward jam that wowed the crowd at Madison Square Garden, an audience that hasn't seen many plays like that from the home team.
This was Saturday, another routine 123-102 win for the Bucks, who will visit the 76ers on Christmas Day with the NBA's best record, 27-4, and the league's top attraction.
The sculpted 6-foot-11, 240-pound Antetokounmpo is actually playing better than a year ago when he was the NBA's MVP.
Is there a way that the reigning MVP can also be a candidate for most improved player?
It might sound far-fetched, but this season in slightly fewer minutes, Antetokounmpo is averaging more points and rebounds and taking on even more of a leadership role.
This season he is averaging 31 points and 12.9 rebounds in 31.1 minutes. A year ago, he averaged 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds in 32.8 minutes.
The 25-year-old Antetokounmpo, who was named the NBA's most improved player in 2016-2017, keeps expanding his game.
Now in his seventh season, he doesn't even begin to resemble the player who averaged 6.8 points per game in his rookie season after being selected 15th overall in the 2013 NBA draft.
For reference, former Sixers Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter Williams were selected ahead of him in that draft, No. 6 and No. 11, respectively.
Then again, plenty of other teams missed out on Antetokounmpo.
He might have the longest steps in the NBA and it usually takes only two of them to get from the top of the key to the basket.
There is no secret to his success. Despite already being a three-time All-Star, Antetokounmpo is known as much for his work ethic as his flashy moves.
"I think you hear things about who he is as a person and you see it up close and you realize the game is the most important thing to him," said Bucks forward Kyle Korver, who chose Milwaukee over the Sixers as free agent this year. "He loves basketball, he loves working hard, he believes he has to work to get better."
His career continued at an upward trajectory since that difficult rookie season. He has increased his scoring average in each NBA season.
This year he has added a key intangible.
"I love his leadership," Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said.
Antetokounmpo said in the past he had preferred to lead by example, but he realized more was needed from him in that department.
"I think going into the offseason obviously you are growing up and come back and see the team and realize this is your team and guys want to hear your voice," Antetokounmpo said after Saturday's win. "You don't only lead on the court, but off the court also. I have just tried to be more vocal."
