Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Giannis Antotokounmpo earned the respect of the Cleveland Cavaliers faithful in the early hours of this morning. But his Milwaukee Bucks side fell just short against last season’s NBA runners-up.

He matched up with perhaps arguably the best all-around player in the world, LeBron James. The Greek international put up 40 points, nine rebounds and four blocks.

James posted a team-high 30 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and three steals as the Cavs won 124-119 in one of the season’s most thrilling encounters so far.