Giannis Antetokounmpo is at it again. The Greek Freak continues to dominate the Eastern Conference, being named the Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.
Let’s break down why he’s been unstoppable: Over the trio of victories against Minnesota, New Orleans, and Detroit, Giannis delivered an eye-popping performance, averaging 27.7 points, 11.7 boards, 10.0 dimes, and 1.3 rejections per game, all in a solid 34-minute run each night. It’s worth noting, he took a breather in the Bucks’ final regular-season game, but the impact of his earlier contributions was more than enough to seal another accolade.
This marks the fourth time this season he’s snagged the Player of the Week award, setting him apart in 2024/25 as no one else in the East has more than two to their name. Over in the West, only Nikola Jokic has come close, collecting the honor three times.
On the flip side, the Western Conference saw fresh faces claiming the weekly crown. James Harden of the Los Angeles Clippers took home the honor, maintaining the streak of Clippers’ stars topping the charts this month.
Kawhi Leonard did the honors last week, but this time it was Harden who helped thrust the Clippers into a solid playoff spot, finishing fifth in the West. Harden led the charge in a flawless 4-0 week with victories over formidable opponents like San Antonio, Houston, Sacramento, and most notably Golden State.
Throughout these battles, Harden averaged a stellar 29.5 points, dished out 10.5 assists, grabbed 7.5 rebounds, and snatched 1.5 steals per game on an impressive shooting spread of .534/.484/.862. Once a regular name on the weekly awards list, Harden hadn’t won since February 2021, highlighting a triumphant return to form.
Both Giannis and Harden have proven they’re forces to be reckoned with, showcasing why they’re mainstays in discussions about the league’s elite. If their performances this past week are any sign, the playoffs are heating up to be something special with these stars in the mix.