Even with the season just getting underway, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is already making a convincing push for his third MVP award.
Over seven games, he has put up 32.3 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per contest while converting 67.7 percent of his shots, the fourth-highest mark in the league. Of his 88 made baskets, the most memorable came when he buried a step-back jumper to defeat the Indiana Pacers.
Nov 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots the game winning shot while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Antetokounmpo turned in a commanding effort against the Pacers despite nursing a left knee injury that had placed him on Milwaukee’s pregame injury report. His knee appeared just fine when he buried the fadeaway for the win, only the second buzzer-beater of his career.
For Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s explosive start comes as no shock. He’s watched the nine-time All-Star put in relentless work behind the scenes to stay at this level.
Doc Rivers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ceiling
Feb 6, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers talks to forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and teammates in the huddle against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
“He just keeps working. He works on his game. He’s very serious abut this profession. He keeps adding to his game, and when you watch him work at the gym, you understand it. The best form of leadership is your best player just getting to work every day and it kind of makes everyone else do it too,” the Bucks head coach addressed the media.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a ludicrous 34 points on 70% true-shooting.
Doc Rivers: “I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet” pic.twitter.com/ClDW46AzzD
— The Athletic NBA Daily (@AthleticNBAShow) November 4, 2025
Giannis enters the MVP race with the fifth-best odds, sitting behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Victor Wembanyama. His 32.3 points per game would surpass his career high by more than a point if the season ended today. Even so, Doc Rivers isn’t calling this the peak of Antetokounmpo’s career, at least not yet.
Nov 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after making a basket against the Toronto Raptors during the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“I can’t judge that. It’s the best I’ve seen. But I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet, any of us. I think he’s just going to keep getting better,” Rivers continued.
Even former teammate Patrick Beverley showed his support on social media, posting, “Man Give Greek MVP right now.”
It is still unclear if Giannis Antetokounmpo can maintain this level of play for a full season, but the Bucks aim to build on their strong start when they host the Chicago Bulls at Fiserv Forum on Friday. The matchup is the first regular-season clash between the I-94 rivals and also kicks off NBA Cup East Group C pool play for both teams.