‘It’s weird’ – Giannis Antetokounmpo on playing with Klay Thompson for the first time

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty ImagesGiannis Antetokounmpo reacted to sharing the floor with Klay Thompson after their preseason matchup against Toronto.

>In their first game together, the Bucks rolled past the Raptors 129–105, giving everyone a quick peek at how much room this new pairing creates.

>Giannis Antetokounmpo was super sharp in just 14 minutes, dropping 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists while constantly slicing up Toronto’s defense.

>However, Klay Thompson actually didn’t score at all in his 13 minutes, missing his only two shots and grabbing 2 rebounds. But even without making a basket, he changed everything. Toronto stayed glued to him on the perimeter, leaving open lanes that helped Milwaukee pour in 76 points before halftime.

Giannis Antetokounmpo confused by Klay Thompson markersGiannis Antetokounmpo couldn’t help but notice a huge shift on the floor in his first game playing next to Klay Thompson. Accustomed to facing loaded paint defenses, Giannis saw firsthand how Thompson’s perimeter threat instantly loosened up the floor and completely changed how defenders guarded him.

>Talking to the media, Giannis said: “It’s weird. Usually I have guys on me and they will try to build a wall. But they weren’t leaving Klay…He wasn’t open.”

Even when his shots aren’t falling, Klay is a game-changer for the Heat. Defenders are way too terrified to leave him alone on the perimeter from his Warriors days, which clears out the middle. That gives Giannis wide-open lanes to drive, forcing defenses to pick between giving up an easy dunk or leaving Klay open.

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