After a historical performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo led his Bucks to capture their first title since 1971. He becomes the 7th player to score 50 points in an NBA Finals game. Bucks win the series 4-2.
Toronto-- One of the greatest nights in Milwaukee's sports history was cemented after Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a performance for the ages. Giannis left it all on the hardwood putting up 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks to secure a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Antetokounmpo ties Bob Pettit for the most points in a clinching game win in NBA history and becomes the first player to record 50 points, 10+ rebounds and five blocks. This performance goes down as one of the all-time storied performances in sports history.
Photo Courtesy: Sky Sports
I don’t think that I ever seen a better Performance in an NBA Finals closeout game. I saw Magic Johnson playing against the 76ers. I’ve watched Michael Jordan in Game 6 when he crossed over on Bryan Russell and hit the jumper in his last championship. But I’ve never seen a performance in a closeout game for a championship that was better than what I witnessed. Giannis was sensational. - Stephen A. Smith
Road to Redemption
Before the start of the season, the Bucks superstar made it a priority to stay in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo signed the five-year $228 million dollar supermax contract extension. The front office was adamant about placing a supporting cast around their franchise player. Key acquisitions included signing Jrue Holiday, P.J. Tucker, and Bobby Portis. Despite an early exit last playoffs, the Bucks have rewritten history by capturing their first title in half a century. The road to redemption has been fulfilled!
Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
All-time Great
At the ripe age of 26, Antetokounmpo has cemented himself as an NBA All-time great.
The remarkable journey back when he was drafted back in 2013 until now has an upward trajectory of his career. Antetokounmpo has been a sight to see and has embodied the global face of the NBA. Currently, Antetokounmpo is 2x NBA MVP, Defensive Player of The Year, Most Improved Player, 5x All-star, 5x All-NBA, 4x All-Defense, and an NBA Champion. Heck of a resume for a 26-year-old superstar. The real question is what’s next for Antetokounmpo’s career?
Many believe that at 26 years of age, Giannis has yet to reach his prime. Each season he has shown immense growth, from developing his physique and skill, to gaining a competitive nature that is infectious. Coach Budenholzer spoke on how special Antetokounmpo is and how much work he has put in throughout the span of his career. Giannis will join elite company as you becomes the third player to have an NBA title, DPOY, MVP and a Finals MVP.
He’s a special human being. I’ve learn so much from him. He’s a special leader. He’s just the ultimate competitor, the ultimate winner, his understanding on what we need I just love. For what he does defensively, he switches and guards every position. I think its his competitive nature that really stands out to me about Giannis. - Coach Budenholzer