Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relentlessness reminds Doc Rivers of Shaq

Rivers pointed out that Giannis, much like Shaq in his prime, is nearly unguardable when he drives aggressively to the rim. Opponents have no choice but to grab or hold him to prevent easy baskets. That dominance was clear in the Bucks’ latest contest against the Cavaliers, where the two-time MVP was fouled an impressive 11 times.

“He handled the ball for the majority of the game. That’s taxing, and yet, he’s still willing to go into the paint and get fouled. That’s just who he is,” the Bucks head coach remarked.

Giannis Antetokounmpo as the Bucks’ very own Shaquille O’Neal

The Bucks’ revamped rotation faced a tough challenge against the Cavaliers, missing both point guards Kevin Porter Jr. and Cole Anthony, as well as key contributor Kyle Kuzma. With the backcourt thinned out, much of the offensive creation fell on Giannis’ shoulders. True to form, Rivers said his star forward handled the pressure with confidence and delivered when his team needed him most.

“He gets hit, grabbed and held, it’s amazing how many times he gets hit on the arms, and that’s what we’re supposed to be looking for,” Doc Rivers added. “It’s like Shaq.”

Giannis poured in 40 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out nine assists in another dominant showing. His performance put him in NBA history as the first player to start a season with more than 100 points, 40 rebounds, and 15 assists through three games. Yet Rivers emphasized that what truly stands out is Giannis’ ability to take relentless contact and keep attacking the game without hesitation.

Now in his 13th NBA season, Giannis has grown accustomed to absorbing heavy contact whenever he attacks the rim. With the Bucks lacking any All-Stars beyond him, it’s clear they rely on a Shaq-like effort from their versatile superstar to contend in the playoffs. As long as he maintains that mindset and gets backing from his teammates, Milwaukee will always have a chance to compete.