Milwaukee Bucks played their first instant classic of the year on Saturday night. It felt like we were getting set up for a classic Bucks loss where Giannis Antetokounmpo had a big game, but they could not finish the job. Milwaukee couldn’t put the Portland Trail Blazers away, and Portland found a way to be ahead late in this game. Giannis would miss two free throws keeping the lead for Portland. Even though Antetokounmpo seemed dead tired, he unleashed this fury we haven’t seen where he took over the final minute to give Milwaukee the victory with an amazing steal, dunk and block. This is the year of Giannis and hope you’re ready for it.

The best of The Greek Freak's career night in 60 seconds!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/w5n5VJkknG

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 22, 2017

Things I liked
Year of Giannis grows to new levels – It’s kind of weird to be talking about an MVP season three games in the season, but that’s what happening with Giannis. For good reason too, he’s off to an incredible start to the season. Antetokounmpo finished last night’s game with 44 points, eight rebounds and four assists. He had 44 points on only 23 shots. I’m starting to wonder what else we’re going to see this season. He’s been nothing short of amazing through three games.

DeAndre Liggins shows something – Caught up in the Year of Giannis happening, new Buck DeAndre Liggins had quite a good run for 18 minutes. He did not make a single basket, but he played some gritty defense helping Milwaukee hold the lead for most of the fourth quarter. Liggins gave Milwaukee some great minutes in the second half.

Khris Middleton gets back on the right foot – I don’t think anyone was overreacting to the first two games from Khris Middleton, but he seemed to get his shot back last night with 18 points on 7-of-13 shooting. Bucks coaching staff appeared to want him to get going early as they fed him in the first quarter to build up his confidence. Milwaukee still needs more help, but Middleton getting 15-plus a night will contribute in winning basketball games.

Bitchin’ Blazers
It was extremely enjoyable to watch C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard pout that Giannis reached in or traveled on the play. Nothing feels better than sour sports.

Things I didn’t like
John Henson needs to finish buckets – It appears that John Henson is taking a great deal of Greg Monroe minutes at the start of the season. Henson finished with a great line actually with seven points, nine rebounds and three blocks, yet it still could have been better. Henson had two easy buckets in the fourth that he could not finish, and that’s not good in close, tight ball games.

Next up
Milwaukee stays home for a Monday night matchup against the Charlotte Hornets who sit at 1-1 to start the year. They blew out the Hawks but struggled against Detroit. Without Nicolas Batum in the lineup, they have zero people who can guard Giannis, so it could be another huge night for the MVP candidate.

Enjoy the Year of Giannis.

Charlie.