Nikola Jokic on his relationship with Giannis: 'He's my brother, I admire him' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP Credit Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Nikola Jokic got the best of 2021 NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, finishing with a near triple-double in just three quarters as the Nuggets steamrolled past the Bucks, 136-100.

Player of the Game EFF 39 Nikola Jokic Points 18 Accuracy 7-9 Rebounds 9 Assists 15

The surging Nuggets have now won five in a row and are quickly regaining some ground for the fifth seed in the West. After tonight's performance, Jokic may have surpassed the Greek Freak in the race for league MVP honors, too.

The two have won the last three MVP awards, while Denver - Jokic included - are looking to replicate the success Milwaukee had last season winning a championship. After winning the head-to-head battle, Jokic was full of love and admiration for his fellow MVP candidate.

"All international players have some kind of connection," Jokic stated in the post-game presser.

"I don't know what it is, probably because we come from other countries. He's my brother and he has done a lot of good stuff in Milwaukee"

The Serbian big man said Giannis is "someone you can look up to. Of course, I admire him. He's a great guy. Do I want to do what he did, in Denver? Yes, I want to do it of course."

In the eight games leading up to the contest with Milwaukee, Jokic had been averaging 29.3 points per game, along with 13.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists. The Serb also leads the league in triple-doubles this season with 12 (he's had six in January alone), and almost had another one on Sunday, falling one rebound shy with 18 points, 15 assists and 9 rebounds. Jokic has also joined the exclusive company of Wilt Chamberlain as only the second center to record six triple-doubles in a single calendar month twice.

On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points and 9 rebounds as the Bucks dropped their second game in their last five.

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