Giannis Antetokounmpo keeps his rivalry with James Harden aside, showers sincere praise on former MVP

NBA fans got a chance to see two of the game's greats go head-to head when Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks took on James Harden's LA Clippers on Saturday night at the Intuit Dome. The two MVPs have developed a fiery and well-documented rivalry over the last few years.

On this occasion, it was Harden who emerged victorious, putting together a remarkable 40-point display to end the Bucks' five-game win streak. Following the loss on Saturday, Giannis seemed to change his tune and praised his 35-year-old counterpart for his remarkable career.

"Incredible. Incredible talent. One of the best players to ever play the game. He’s probably scored 25,000 points plus. Still able to get to his spots. Still able to help his team win. He’s an incredible talent,” said Antetokounmpo.

It's difficult to pinpoint where the feud between the two superstars started. According to analysts, a strong pass from Antetokounmpo that knocked Harden to the ground in 2019 was one of the first signs of tension in the duo's relationship.

During the 2018-2019 season, the two competed for the coveted MVP crown, with Antetokounmpo taking home his first crown. Harden, having led the league in scoring that year with 36.1 points per game and contributed 6.6 rebounds and 7.5 assists, may have felt he deserved the award.

Harden spoke out on the decision and claimed that the media narrative played a role in voting.

"I think once the media, they create a narrative about somebody from the beginning of the year, I think they just take that narrative and run with it the entire year," said Harden.

During an interview with ESPN in 2022, Harden seemed to once aim a sly dig at Giannis.

"But I wish I could just run and be 7 feet and just dunk. Like that takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball, how to have skill. I take that any day," said Harden.

Now in his 16th season in the NBA, James Harden continues cement his place in NBA history. In November, the talented guard surpassed Ray Allen to move to second place in the NBA's all-time 3-pointers leaderboard. Earlier this month, he moved to No. 14 on the all-time scoring list, overtaking legendary guard Oscar Robertson.

Harden won his only MVP award in 2018. Giannis Antetokounmpo received the coveted award in 2019 and 2020 and led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021.

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Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo reaches historic milestone at Intuit Dome

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo ImagesImagn

James Harden has plenty of personal achievements, but Giannis Antetokounmpo isn't far behind his West Coast rival. Harden broke into the top 15 of the all-time scoring list, while the 30-year-old Greek center is gradually working his way up the list.

On Saturday, Giannis recorded 36 points against the Clippers to move up to 19,665 career points. That moved him to No. 53 on the all-time scoring charts, ahead of Bernard King (19,655).

Antetokounmpo has a long way to go to catch Harden (26,795) but is well on his way. Sitting above Antetokounmpo on the list is John Stockton (19,711), followed by Antawn Jamison (20,042).