The race for the NBA’s MVP got a little bit fiercer Wednesday night as the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo took on James Harden and the Rockets.
It all came to a head mid-way to the fourth quarter. Harden’s head, in particular.
In a close game, the Bucks were still battling to keep their lead over the Rockets, and Antetokounmpo flung a hot pass towards Malcolm Brogdon in the corner.
"Coach Bud, another genius play!"
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 10, 2019
- @stevenovak16 with @paschketball on the @fswisconsin call last night 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/ievZfFKfy1
But Harden was standing in the direct path of the pass, and took it right off his noggin.
The ball bounced hard off his face back to Antetokounmpo, who found Ersan Ilyasova for a three.
Antetokounmpo admitted later he apologized immediately to harden, and said it was an accident.
The Bucks held off a late rally by Harden and the Rockets to win 116-109 and improve their record to 29-11.
"It was great to play a game like this with high expectations. It's a learning process for every player." pic.twitter.com/9l1b9rgDkR
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 10, 2019
