Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps raising his ceiling. (Associated Press) Earlier this week, the staff of Ball Don’t Lie unanimously named Milwaukee Bucks wing Giannis Antetokounmpo the early favorite for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. It’s a safe bet that every other writer who covers the league believes the same. The just-turned-22-year-old Antetokounmpo has been a revelation this season, leading his team in all major statistical categories and making the leap from highlight-ready curiosity to genuine star.
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Better yet, Antetokounmpo seems to be raising his ceiling as he goes. He reached a new height in Friday’s matchup with the Washington Wizards, scoring 39 points on 12-of-19 shooting (plus 15-of-17 from the line) to lead the Bucks to a comfortable 123-96 win.

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It was the seventh 30-point game of Antetokounmpo’s season and the eighth of his career, a mark of how much he’s raised his game already in 2016-17. While he still doesn’t have a dependable jumper, Antetokounmpo is learning how to use his length and agility to maximize nearly ever-present mismatches.

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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
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