Major Changes Helping Giannis Antetokounmpo Thrive in the 2024/25 Season
Giannis Antetokounmpo has long been regarded as one of the top stars in the NBA, boasting a championship title, two MVP awards, and eight All-Star selections. However, the Greek superstar continues to evolve, and the 2024/25 season has witnessed remarkable progress from the 1994-born player.
As of December 10, 2024, Giannis is averaging 32.6 points per game, marking the highest scoring average of his career. His shooting percentage of 61.6% and assist average of 6.6 assists per game are also at career-best levels throughout his 11 years in the league.
So, how has Giannis Antetokounmpo managed to perform so effectively in the 2024/25 season? The Sporting News provides insights into the changes that are fueling his success.
Changes in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Game in 2024/25
For many years, coaches have utilized Giannis in the simplest way: creating plays for him to drive to the basket and score close-range points. Each coach may employ different strategies, but the overarching goal remains the same.
This strategy has proven effective, as Giannis possesses significant physical strength and a long wingspan. Once he makes a breakthrough or approaches the basket, it becomes challenging to stop him. This advantage is particularly notable since Giannis has not been known for his three-point shooting.
However, this season, Giannis is developing a new weapon: mid-range shooting. Recent statistics illustrate the volume and effectiveness of mid-range shots taken by big men this season. Notably, Giannis has attempted a substantial number of mid-range shots with an impressive success rate of 49%. While it is unreasonable to expect Giannis to maintain shooting consistency akin to Kevin Durant, a top shooter in the NBA, he is actively incorporating more mid-range attempts this season under head coach Doc Rivers.
As of December 10, 2024, Giannis has taken 74 mid-range shots, achieving a 49% success rate. These figures are exceptionally impressive for a player known for attacking the basket in the NBA.
Limiting Three-Point Attempts
Alongside increasing his mid-range shooting, Giannis has significantly limited his biggest weakness: three-point shooting. In the 2024/25 season, only 3.6% of Giannis’s shots have come from beyond the arc.
The data clearly shows that Giannis is taking 17% of his shots from mid-range, the second-highest rate of his career. His 49% shooting percentage from this distance is the best since he joined the NBA in the 2013/14 season. Notably, Giannis has demonstrated the ability to shoot mid-range shots from various positions on the court.
One example of this evolution can be seen in a game where the Greek star drove to the left corner, surprising the defense with a well-executed mid-range jumper. In another standout performance, Giannis scored a career-high 59 points against the Detroit Pistons on November 13, successfully making 7 out of 11 mid-range attempts, contributing 14 points to his total.
In yet another clash with the Pistons, Giannis went 5 for 5 from mid-range. Such numbers have been rare for the Greek superstar in previous seasons. Following a rough start to the season with 6 losses in 7 games, the Milwaukee Bucks have since bounced back, winning 10 of their next 14 games. Throughout this impressive stretch, Giannis has played a crucial role in the team’s success.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 season has marked a significant transformation for Giannis Antetokounmpo. By enhancing his mid-range shooting while limiting his three-point attempts, he has elevated his game to new heights. With an impressive scoring average and efficiency, Giannis demonstrates that he is not just resting on his laurels as a former MVP and champion. Instead, he is continuously evolving, making him a formidable force in the NBA.
As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how these changes impact his performance and the overall success of the Milwaukee Bucks. Giannis’s journey underscores the importance of adaptation and improvement, proving that even the best players can find ways to grow and thrive in a competitive league.
