Milwaukee Bucks

Report: NBA All-Star Says Giannis ‘Not a Lockdown Defender Who Shuts Down Other Stars’

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was named the 2019-20 Defensive Player of the Year just a few days ago.

However, that title hasn’t helped his defensive reputation in the eyes of one All-Star player.

In fact, one unnamed All-Star went as far as to say that Antetokounmpo is not a lockdown defender and should not have won the coveted award.

From the report, it is impossible to tell who the unnamed All-Star actually is.

However, the defending MVP’s defensive performance in Game 1 of his team’s series against the Miami Heat seemed to back up the claim.

Despite owning the title as the league’s top defender, the Bucks big man did not guard Heat star Jimmy Butler in the final minutes of Monday’s showdown.

Butler scored 15 points in the final frame and contributed a career-high playoffs performance of 40 points.

Miami went on to win, 115-104.

Following the loss, Antetokounmpo appeared to be annoyed when a reporter asked him why he wasn’t defending Butler at the end of the game.

It will be interesting if these whispers light a fire underneath Antetokounmpo.

If fans see him defending Butler in Wednesday’s Game 2, it can be assumed that Antetokounmpo heard the message loud and clear.

Jonathan Sherman

Jonathan has worked as a sports writer covering NBA and NFL news since 2017. He's a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Vikings.

Published by
Jonathan Sherman

Recent Posts

Ja Morant opens up about Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins: ‘It’s tough for me’

Guard Ja Morant suited up for the first time since the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor…

2 hours ago

Tyrese Haliburton on ‘easy decision’ to name SGA MVP: ‘If you took a player poll, I’m sure he would win’

Oklahoma City Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a compelling case to win this season's MVP…

1 day ago

Report: ‘Early expectation’ is that Clint Capela will sign elsewhere this summer

Big man Clint Capela is in his fifth season playing for the Atlanta Hawks, and…

3 days ago

Stephen A. says LeBron is in his feelings: ‘Could it be because I don’t believe you’re the G.O.A.T.?’

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith claimed on Wednesday that if his confrontation with Los Angeles Lakers…

4 days ago

LeBron James reflects on 2007 Cavs roster that he took to NBA Finals: ‘How is that possible?’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James recently reflected on the 2006-07 Cleveland Cavaliers and their…

5 days ago

Shannon Sharpe implies Jamal Murray defers to Nikola Jokic like Kobe deferred to Shaq: ‘Murray is more than capable’

An ankle injury has kept Denver Nuggets star big man Nikola Jokic sidelined for more…

6 days ago