Across the NBA, there are only a handful of players who compete as ferociously as Giannis Antetokounmpo. He is unarguably one of the biggest attractions in the league in today’s age. Still, after six straight Christmas games, the NBA decided to take Milwaukee off the schedule. Likewise, the Greek Freak wasn’t happy with their decision. “I believe we were one of the best teams in the East last year. Maybe not this year, OK? We don’t get a Christmas game. Why? Because we got a small market?” he began questioning.

Still, Antetokounmpo did find some peace in being able to spend Christmas with his family for the first time since 2017. However, while he does watch these Christmas Day games, the two-time MVP’s blood might be boiling. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing according to Richard Jefferson.

Allie Clifton, the host of the show was stunned to find out the Bucks wouldn’t be playing on the holiday. Considering Antetokounmpo is one of the most viewed stars and the NBA ratings are suffering, he seemed to be a natural fit. Yet, Jefferson believes this could benefit Milwaukee by awakening their rude sides. Not only does he want Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ego to be bruised, but Jefferson also wishes the Bucks ace to channel his rage to send a message to Adam Silver.

“All I’m saying is that the NBA decided to do a different ratings thing and they didn’t make the cut. And Giannis should feel disrespected. The Bucks should feel disrespected and they should go out there and prove it,” Jefferson said on Road Trippin’

Given how much of a driver Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks have been over the past few seasons for the NBA, they have every reason to feel left out. The Greek Freak has enjoyed surreal Christmas day outings over his six games. Furthermore, with Damian Lillard also a part of the team, Milwaukee has immense star power to tempt fans.

Still, Adam Silver and the NBA didn’t find a way to include them on Christmas.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are well on the ascend

After a 2-8 start, many wrote off the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite Antetokounmpo’s dominance, the team lacked order. However, since then a lot has changed. It began with an undefeated NBA Cup victory. That has given the team the confidence to the team on not just their methods, but also to go out there and produce.

At times that means playing without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Taking away the current scoring leader in the NBA from a team battling to stay consistent could have meant catastrophe. Furthermore, even Lillard wasn’t available due to an illness. Still, Doc Rivers and the Bucks found a way, in doing so may have just unlocked a scarier version of themselves.

In these past two games without their two reliable pillars, Khris Middleton has had the opportunity to retain his starting position. There could have been worries about how he would look post-injury. But the veteran forward looked spotless, averaging 19.5 points in those two games with great efficiency.

He was instrumental in the Bucks’ first championship conquest in 2021. Now, he was much needed to give the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led side another dimension. With three different kinds of attacking players on the floor at the same time, the Milwaukee Bucks could look much better than they do. And the team has already won seven of their last ten games.

It’s yet to be tested fully with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard starting alongside Middleton. But with their experience of playing together, for the Greek Freak, it’s ‘second nature’. Do you think Antetokounmpo missing time has proven to be a blessing for the Bucks? Let us know your views in the comments below.