Why nitpick over two iconic blocks?

James, Antetokounmpo plays are marvels of execution only a few can make

Before we get started, let’s get this out of the way from the start:

LeBron James’ block of the Warriors’ Andre Iguodala late in Game

7 of the 2016 NBA Finals was iconic, incredible and inspirational.

The impact of that one play resonates today, and will resonate 50 years from now. No one is questioning that.

The impact of the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo block of the dunk attempt from the Suns’ Deandre Ayton on July 15 can’t be fully measured — just yet. If Milwaukee wins the NBA Finals, it will likely be the defining play of the series.

The block helped the Bucks win Game 4, and evened the series at 2-2. Game 5 is July 17. Antetokounmpo is becoming must-see TV, if he isn’t already.

Fans never know what they’re getting next when watching James or Antetokounmpo.

Still, fans want to know — which block was better?

From an impact standpoint, James’ block is No. 1. It helped win the Cavs Game 7 of the 2016 Finals, and brought a championship to the city of Cleveland. It will taking something truly special to top that.

Antetokounmpo’s block helped win a game, but there’s still plenty of work ahead for Milwaukee. If the Suns prevail in six or seven games, that block will be remembered but the impact won’t last a lifetime.

So let’s examine James’ and Antetokounmpo’s block from the execution side. We’ll make it short and sweet. Both rocked, so why nitpick?

Enjoy both for what they were — iconic, incredible

and inspirational.

James’ block — who can forget? — was a trailplay in which he swatted Iguodala’s lay-up attempt against the backboard in the closing moments of Game 7.

Antetokounmpo’s involved a bit more. He was trailing Devin Booker on a pick-and-roll play in which Booker lobbed a pass to Ayton. Antetokounmpo trailed the lob pass in the direction of Ayton and in one motion elevated to swat away a dunk attempt. It occurred with the Bucks up, 101-99, in the final minutes.

Longtime Mentor boys

basketball coach Bob Krizancic — one of the most successful in the history of Ohio — didn’t watch the Antetokounmpo play live. He saw it on replay. Krizancic did not want to comment on which block was more difficult to execute or impressive.

What fans should focus on — he said — is the rare athleticism of James and Antetokounmpo.

“They are two of a handful of players in the NBA who truly fit the role of ‘physical specimen,’ “said Krizancic, who worked James’ 2010 and 2011 camp in San Diego and saw James

up close during his offseason training sessions preparing upcoming seasons with the Heat. “They are simply freak athletes. The timing, the strength, the quickness … There are very few people in the world that can make those plays.”

James’ block no doubt had a bigger impact on the bigger picture. As for the execution of each block? Stop the comparisons, and let’s enjoy them for what they were … iconic, incredible and inspirational.

PAUL SANCYA — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Giannis Antetokounmpo blocks a shot by the Suns’ Deandre Ayton during the second half of Game 4of the NBA Finals in Milwaukee on July 14.

ERIC RISBERG — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LeBron James blocks a shot by Andre Iguodala late in Game 7 of the 2016NBA Finals.