Antetokounmpo's first two offensive possessions set the tone with pure ferocity.
First, he stole the ball from Conley and charged downcourt for a thunderous dunk. Then, he bulldozed straight through his defender for an and-one.
Although he missed the ensuing free throw, it did nothing to diminish Antetokounmpo's dominance on offense tonight.
Yet Antetokounmpo was feeling a little nervous.
Because he realized that he seemed to have made Link angry.
Link dribbled the ball in front of Antetokounmpo. Link already had outstanding physical tools, but standing before Antetokounmpo, he still looked a size smaller.
Once the Greek spread his arms, he practically covered Link completely.
But no one dared relax. The entire Bucks team was on edge now.
Everyone knew that once Link took the initiative to handle the ball, he would not easily pass up a scoring opportunity.
Jokic stepped up to the high post and set a screen for Link.
Antetokounmpo leaned into Jokic early, ready to fight around the screen at any moment.
At the same time, Lopez stood ready. The instant Link drove inside, he had to rotate over for help defense immediately.
If Link found even the slightest opening, he could put the ball in the basket.
The Bucks were the best defensive team in the entire league by defensive efficiency, without question.
But against Link, they still had no real confidence.
Link's offensive ability stood above even the league's strongest defense!
Link slowly dribbled closer as Antetokounmpo stared him down.
He was now confident that he could win an aerial battle against Link.
Seeing this, Link, who had appeared ready to drive, suddenly took a step back beyond the three-point line.
Antetokounmpo reacted just as quickly. In fact, he had long been mentally prepared for this.
The reason he dared give Link so much