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Giannis Antetokounmpo Re-Iterates Kevin Durant as the ‘Best Player in the World’ After Historic Game 7 Performance

Published 06/20/2021, 8:13 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Brooklyn Nets faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks in game 7 of their second round series. Given how stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant had performed so far, game 7 was a must watch.

The game got off to an incredible start as both the teams wanted to take an initial lead in the eliminator. After trading buckets, the Nets led the Bucks by 6 points at the end of the first half. While the Nets could have built on this 6 point lead, the Bucks, unlike their other away games, did not collapse and rallied a comeback in the third quarter, leading the game by a single point.

USA Today via Reuters

The Bucks finally looked like they were going to close it out as they had a 4 point lead with less than a minute remaining. But Durant, who had been on fire all game long, had other plans. After making a 2 point jumper, KD made a 24 foot jumper and if not for his show touching the perimeter, the Nets would have won this game.

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Forcing an OT, the Nets initially took a 2 point lead with Bruce Brown’s bucket but since then the Nets offense fell flat. With the Nets falling flat in OT, the Bucks took full advantage of the situation and ultimately topped Durant and the Bucks with a scoreline of 115-111.

Giannis Antetokounmpo re-emphasizes Kevin Durant as the best player in the world

Despite their latest loss at the hands of the Bucks, Kevin Durant was absolutely terrific in game 7. With his team missing Kyrie Irving and James Harden playing through injury, Durant carried the Nets’ offensive load. Scoring 48 points along with 9 rebounds and 6 assists, the Slim Reaper certainly had a statement performance tonight.

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Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo also recognized the greatness of Durant. After claiming that the 2012 MVP was the best player in the world in the game 5 presser, the ‘Greek Freak’ repeated the same in his post game interview. Giannis said “I said it a couple of days ago- he’s the best player in the world, and he’s still the best player in the world.”

With his incredible performance against the Bucks, Durant broke a 33-year-old record set by Dominique Wilkins, who scored 47 points in a game 7. While Durant has often been criticized for playing alongside other superstars, the 11-time All-Star proved that he was still one of the best players in the league right now and can carry any team.

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If not for injuries to two of his other stars, Durant and the Nets could have easily beaten the Bucks in the series and made it all the way to the Finals. Can the Nets make a comeback next season?

WATCH THIS STORY: Kevin Durant vs Kobe Bryant: First Playoff Duel in 2010

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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