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Giannis says Durant is 'best player in the world' after huge Game 5

Gary Dineen / National Basketball Association / Getty

Giannis Antetokounmpo was in awe of Kevin Durant following the star's historic performance in the Brooklyn Nets' double-digit comeback win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 5.

"He's the best player in the world right now and we've got to beat him as a team," Antetokounmpo said after Durant's 49-point, 17-rebound, 10-assist masterpiece, according to The Associated Press' Brian Mahoney.

Antetokounmpo surprisingly wasn't tasked with guarding Durant for most of the game, even as Brooklyn took control in the fourth quarter.

The 2020 Defensive Player of the Year said he's willing to try to contain Durant in Game 6.

"I want to take on the challenge (of guarding Durant)," Antetokounmpo said postgame, according to ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth.

Trailing 3-2 in the series, the Bucks will look to stave off elimination when they host the Nets for Game 6 on Thursday.

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