UPDATE: 7:13 p.m.
We sort of knew this would happen, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is an official candidate for NBA MVP.
.
Presenting your #KiaMVP finalists…
⭐️ Giannis Antetokounmpo
⭐️ James Harden
⭐️ Paul George#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/tv72abjXkQ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 18, 2019
Original story
The Milwaukee Bucks’ meteoric rise to the top of the NBA has led to their head coach being named a finalist for Coach of the Year, one of numerous finalist nods for the NBA Awards coming up this summer.
Mike Budenholzer receives the nod after the Bucks’ 60-22 season, with the NBA’s best record and home court advantage in the postseason.
He turned that trick in his first year on the job, making the Bucks’ a top seed in the playoffs after being a No. 7 seed last year.
Presenting your 2018-19 Coach of the Year finalists…
⭐️ Mike Budenholzer
⭐️ Michael Malone
⭐️ Doc Rivers#NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/zMPaZjbzov
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 18, 2019
Mike Malone of Utah and the L.A. Clippers’ Doc Rivers, who played college basketball at Marquette, are the other finalists.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was also named a finalist with Paul George and Rudy Gobert for defensive player of the year.
Take a look at your 2018-19 #KiaDPOY finalists…
⭐️ Giannis Antetokounmpo
⭐️ Paul George
⭐️ Rudy Gobert #NBAAwards pic.twitter.com/6j1RIY49Hu
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 18, 2019