Bucks’ Antetokounmpo restarts MVP campaign as NBA returns

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks forward (⬆️ UP)

Look, the Bucks are going to get the No. 1 seed, there’s no reason to fret about that. Instead, just keep enjoying what Antetokounmpo keeps doing. Giannis opened the NBA’s restart with 36 points 15 rebounds and seven assists vs. Boston (in 32 minutes) and followed that up with 36 points, 18 rebounds and eight assists (in 32 1/2 minutes) against Houston. He became the first player since the ABA-NBA merger to post back-to-back 35+-point, 15+-rebound and 5+-assist games. Antetokounmpo now has 19 games with 30+ points and 15+ rebounds, which is the most for any player since 1983. Giannis also has 15 games with 30+ points, 15+ rebounds and 5+ assists. Only one other player in the NBA has multiple such games (Dallas’ Luka Doncic with three) and overall there’s been just 12 other 30-15-5 games this season. Even playing around 15 minutes against Brooklyn he put up 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Pure and simple: M-V-P.

Ben Gamel, Brewers outfielder (⬆️ UP)

With Lorenzo Cain opting out of the 2020 season, Gamel has been given the opportunity for regular playing time. So far, he’s producing. In Milwaukee’s three games played this past week he went 4-for-12 (.333) with a pair of homers and five RBI. In six games, Gamel is hitting .300/.333/.750 and leads the team in homers (tied with 2) and RBI (7).

Christian Yelich (⬇️ DOWN)

It’s just a slump. We’re not panicking. Still, 3-for-34 with 16 strikeouts is a tough stat line to witness.

Brandon Woodruff, Brewers starting pitcher (⬆️ UP)

If we learn anything from this shortened season it is that Milwaukee has found its ace. Woodruff had two strong starts this past week, a dominating effort at Pittsburgh in which he allowed just one hit and one walk with 10 strikeouts over 6 1/3 scoreless innings and then going six innings allowing two runs with six whiffs Tuesday vs. the Chicago White Sox.

St. Louis Cardinals (⬇️ DOWN)

Thanks for helping ruin our weekend.