Sam Mitchell argues that Anthony Davis is more valuable than Giannis Antetokounmpo in the NBA Playoffs

Sam Mitchell has a hot take as to who’s better in the NBA Playoffs: AD or Giannis.

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Los Angeles Lakers stud Anthony Davis are two of the most dominant two-way forces in the NBA today. Each one has an NBA title across their name, AD winning his inside the “Orlando Bubble” in 2020 while Giannis won his the very next season. Comparing the two will incite healthy discussions, but former NBA head coach Sam Mitchell believes Anthony Davis is more valuable in the postseason. Does he have a valid argument?

Different game in the postseason

The NBA’s regular season and the playoffs are two entirely different beasts. Regular season games may sometimes lack defensive intensity, while playoff basketball is a ferocious affair with defenses completely locked in on the best players. According to Mitchell, that’s where Anthony Davis comes into play, and his value becomes higher than Giannis Antetokounmpo.

“I can make an argument that AD is more valuable than Giannis come playoff time because of his ability to shoot outside and make free throws,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell, a seasoned NBA player with 13 seasons under his belt, raises a valid argument. Playoff defenses are intricate and formidable, making it challenging to score in the paint and overall. However, given AD's expertise in the midrange and the free-throw line, he maintains the ability to generate points even in the intense playoff environment.

Don’t count out Giannis

The Bucks’ playoff opponents have often built a wall to deny Giannis’ entry into the paint. Despite this tactic, Giannis has still found ways to put the basket in the hoop, as his playoff averages of 26.6 points on 52 percent shooting clearly indicate. While many teams have tried to stop Giannis at the rim, his ability to hit shots and finish lobs has enabled him to be a scoring force.