There are things that surprise you then there are things that make you pop the eyes out of the back of your head. Giannis Antetokounmpo did something today that no one else has done for a full season in the NBA. He had his seventh 30 point performance with playing less than 30 minutes this season. That has NEVER happened in the history of the NBA. Giannis has the record 42 games into the season. This isn’t like March where the record is broken, this is 42 games into the season. That is simply incredible.

Most games with 30 or more points while playing less than 30 minutes in a single season since the ABA-NBA merger:

7 – Giannis Antetokounmpo, 2019-20
6 – Stephen Curry, 2015-16
5 – Paul Westphal, 1977-78
5 – Freeman Williams, 1980-81
5 – George Gervin, 1981-82

— Justin Kubatko (@jkubatko) January 15, 2020

The MVP race will be again one with Giannis and Houston Rockets guard James Harden but again, Giannis is having a better season than him. This is great argument fodder for Twitter. Harden needs 35 to 40 minutes a game to make sure he’s getting the points he needs on a night to night basis. While Giannis tries to make quick work then get a rest throughout the game. What Mike Budenholzer has done to manage Giannis’ minutes has been well be remembered in NBA history. I’m surprised not more coaches have adopted this philosophy. It definitely works out for Giannis and the Bucks.

Charlie.