It’s time for teams to realize throwing an alley-oop with the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo lurking may not be the best strategy.
Against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Cup semifinals, Antetokounmpo rejected another alley-oop on a crucial fourth-quarter possession. With the Bucks leading 103-98 with 2:35 in the final frame, Hawks guard Trae Young lobbed a pass to the left side of the hoop toward center Clint Capela.
While Bucks center Brook Lopez was there to challenge the lob, Antetokounmpo ranged from the weak side to the strong, flying past the hoop to meet Capela at his apex. With both players near the top of the box, Antetokoumpo, right hand extended, managed to get a clean block on Capela’s dunk attempt. The Bucks could not convert on the fast break that ensued, but Antetokounmpo’s block kept the Hawks at bay.
If this looked familiar, it’s because Antetokounmpo’s most famous block, the rejection of Deandre Ayton in Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals, was similar, even though the stakes may not have been.
Again, it’s probably wise to not to try Antetokounmpo on lobs. Man plans and the Greek Freak laughs.
