Bucks Zone

"He's a great competitor" – Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic share praise for each other

Two of the best in basketball put on a show and handed flowers to each other.

Matthew Dugandzic

© Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

On Monday night, two of the game's biggest stars in today's game crossed paths as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic collided for a heavyweight bout.

The two superstars didn't disappoint in their dazzling clash in the 5,280-foot altitude of the Mile High City. Giannis flashed his unparalleled strength and vicious athleticism while Jokic maintained his all-around brilliance and dominance. Ultimately, the Joker and his Denver Nuggets came out on top by bagging the 113-107 win over the Greek Freek-led Milwaukee Bucks.

A great competitor

Following the victory, Jokic shared nothing but respect and admiration for Giannis' might, and competing against the Greek superstar is truly a special moment for him to cherish.

While Nikola flirted with a spectacular triple-double finish of 25 points, 16 boards, and 12 assists, it got evenly matched up by Antetokounmpo's gallant 29-point, 12-board performance to power the Bucks on a losing effort.

"He's, of course, a freak of nature, and he's so dominant," Jokic said. "He's also reading the game, and he's trying to make a right play. So it's interesting to going up against him."

"He's a great competitor. He wants to win every game. He likes playing with such a force, with such a power of will. He really wants to win every game, and I think that's what makes him good and great, actually. In every game, whenever we play, back in Europe, national teams, here, in All-Star, he always wants to win," Nikola added.

A pleasure to play against one of the best

Giannis and Jokic are tangled up not just as NBA superstars but also as two of the most iconic European talents who constantly battle it out on the international stage.

For that, Antetokounmpo can only tip his hat off and reciprocate Jokic's special regard for him, as he always feels blessed to play against one of the best in basketball.

"It's always good to play against the best players in the world. It shows you what you're built of. Playing against a guy like Nikola, you have to bring your 'A' game. You cannot mess around. … You have to be on point," Giannis said.

"So whenever I have the opportunity to be in a game like that, I always love it. Good or bad, some days you're going to have a good game, some days you're not. But how many times can you say that you played against the best players in the world and you went head-to-head with them? So, I try to thrive in those moment as much as I can and learn as much as I can. Hopefully, that can help me moving forward in my career and help me to be better with my team," Antetokounmpo added.

What we learned from the Milwaukee Bucks' loss to the Denver Nuggets

Published
Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.