Giannis Antetokounmpo, a standout player for the Milwaukee Bucks, has played in the NBA long enough to know what defensive strategy is being deployed against him on any given night. And whereas the experienced forward’s younger self could have used muscle and bluster to get past the mentioned defense, he now takes a more strategic approach.

Trying to pick his spots

Giannis was having a quiet night on Monday against the Chicago Bulls, scoring just 12 points in the opening three-quarters of play on five shots. However, the “Greek Freak” realized it was time to tighten his laces and seize control when the game was on the line.

Giannis was able to overwhelm the Bulls’ defense by combining strength, agility, and cunning. He frequently made it to the rim for difficult layups or generated enough contact to get to the free-throw line. In the fourth quarter and overtime, he finished with twenty points as the Bucks defeated the Lakers 133-129.

Damian Lillard, a superstar player who plays with Antetokounmpo, was astounded by his teammate’s ability to turn the game around and seize control.

We don’t always move the ball well, so I believe he was just doing his best to move it, so he was playing it almost a little bit passively,” Lillard said.

“I don’t think they really had much for him once he got aggressive.”

Played coy

Giannis’ plan to remain quiet until the fourth quarter, according to Lillard, likely helped him since it gave the defense a false sense of security.

According to Lillard, “I think that his initial lack of aggression probably worked in his favor because they relaxed a little bit, and then it was just like boom, downhill, layup, foul.”

Above all, the presence of a player with Giannis’ ability and winning attitude relieves the Bucks’ pressure, particularly during crucial moments. Lillard is fully aware of this, particularly after his poor 3-of-17 shooting performance on Monday.

“It’s definitely a luxury to be out there on the floor with a player as great as he is.”