"More Than A Certain Serbian": Bucks Fans Shade Nikola Jokic as Giannis Antetokounmpo Pulls off 18-Assist Game in Thrilling OT Win

Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a one-game absence to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 147-134 NBA Cup win on Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. The two-time MVP delivered 25 points, 18 assists, seven rebounds, two steals and one block. Antetokounmpo’s assists were two shy of his career high, which he set in April against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Fans reacted to Antetokounmpo’s dominant play, particularly as a playmaker:

“More than a certain Serbian in Denver.”

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One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan commented:

Antetokounmpo’s 18 dimes were the most he has had this season. Before the win against the Hornets, he tallied nine assists twice this season. He is averaging 6.2 assists per game this season.

The reference to Nikola Jokic was unsurprising because of the Serbian’s mind-boggling start as the Denver Nuggets’ de facto point guard. Jokic leads the NBA in assists with 10.9 per game, a career-high number if he sustains it for the season. This season, Jokic dished out at least 10 assists in seven of 11 games.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a dependable fulcrum of the offense if the need arises. He has often played with a traditional point guard, but when asked to set up his teammates, he has often delivered. Over the past eight seasons, he has averaged 6.0 apg, but he is arguably not on the same level as the three-time MVP from Serbia.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are expected to be top MVP contenders again this season. Fans will continue to compare them as the season progresses.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic are off to sizzling-hot starts to 2025-26 season

Last season, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo finished second and third, respectively, in the MVP voting, an award that went to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This season, the two big men resume their chase of the OKC Thunder point guard for the top individual award in the regular season.

Jokic is putting up 28.8 points, 13.1 rebounds, 10.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game. The three-time MVP leads the league in rebounding and assists. Jokic has also become more efficient, making 68.4% of his shots, including 41.7% from deep, both career-high numbers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo is also filling up the stat sheet. The “Greek Freak” is averaging an NBA-best 33.4 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 6.2 apg and 1.3 bpg. Antetokounmpo attempts 10.8 free throws per game, a figure that tops the league for the fourth straight year.

Edited by Michael Macasero