Giannis Antetokounmpo chosen as NBA MVP this season over LeBron James in straw poll?

Throughout NBA 2019-20 season, LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been in contention for NBA MVP award. Before NBA suspended season due to coronavirus outbreak, Giannis Antetokounmpo had been on his way to his second straight NBA MVP award while leading Milwaukee Bucks to a league-leading 53-12 win-loss record. While LeBron James and Lakers are following closely, Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven his gameplay on both sides of court. 

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Giannis vs LeBron: Has Giannis Antetokounmpo played better than LeBron James?

With opposition sending multiple defenders to block him, Giannis Antetokounmpo has mand to find middle ground. reigning NBA MVP has always found an open man, averaging at 5.8 assists per game this season. Using his ability to cover court in long strides, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been perfect ball-handler for Bucks.

He has also worked on his three-pointers, shooting 30.6% from deep this season as compared to last season's 25.6%. This season, Giannis is averaging 30.9 minutes per game while scoring an aver of 29.6 points. If Giannis wins NBA MVP award this season, he will hold record for  fewest minutes ever averd by any MVP in a season. James Harden, who is leading scoreboard, also avers at 36.7 minutes. 

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While LeBron James is direct competition to Giannis Antetokounmpo, latter's defence has been better. While Giannis Antetokounmpo is off  court, Bucks allow 7.7 more points per 100 possessions, while Lakers allow only 3.6 points when LeBron James is off court. Though LeBron James is averaging at 25.7 points per game with career-high 10.6 assists per game, his aver game time is over 34 minutes. If NBA does t return, Giannis Antetokounmpo could be only player to win an NBA MVP award while playing 30.9 minutes per game.

In a straw poll conducted, Giannis beat James by a margin of 50 votes in  first place for MVP award. survey was conducted with 70 media members who cover entire league. Giannis earned 60 of 70 possible votes for first place, while James won 10. 

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NBA coronavirus update: When will NBA resume?

As per NBA commissioner Adam Silver's latest statement, NBA will be suspended for at least a month. However, as per Centers for Disease Control's (CDC) recommendation of avoiding garings of 50 or more people for next two months, NBA's return could be pushed forward to June. Even n, league might play games without an audience. 

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