Giannis Antetokounmpo shows class with first move after winning NBA Cup with Milwaukee Bucks in Las Vegas
GIANNIS Antetokounmpo headed straight for the crowd after winning the NBA Cup in Las Vegas on Tuesday night.
“Greek Freak” Giannis hit a triple double as his Milwaukee Bucks pulled off a dominant win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Antetokounmpo had 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in the 97-81 victory at T-Mobile Arena.
And the 30-year-old’s first act after adding the NBA Cup to his trophy cabinet was to celebrate with his brother.
The Bucks superstar walked from one side of the court to the other as the final seconds played out.
He spotted his brother Thanasis, 32, who played five years for the Bucks before suffering a torn Achilles in May.
And the basketball brothers shared a hug and embrace before Giannis ran off to celebrate with his teammates.
“I have to embrace him,” Giannis said after the game. “I love him to death.”
“My kids weren’t able to be here. My mom and wife are at almost every game but they weren’t able to be here.
“They weren’t able to be here – only Thanasis was here and my sister-in-law.
“From where we started to where we are, I’m extremely happy. I’m proud of the journey.
“I don’t take no moment for granted. I just have to embrace my brother and celebrate him.
“He’s been supporting me since day one, not just in my basketball career, but as a brother.
“He’s always been there for me. In all the high-pressure moments, all the tough moments, difficult moments, he’s always there for me no matter the outcome.”
Antetokounmpo was named MVP after his dominant performance.
He joins LeBron James as the second player ever to win the NBA Cup and add it to the NBA title, MVP award and Finals MVP.
And the Bucks forward was happy to make amends for reaching the final four last year but losing in the semi-finals.
The 30-year-old said, “It’s the best feeling ever – just winning.
“It’s fun playing in Vegas. Coming here, competing in Vegas, for me it’s fun because I don’t leave my room.
“For others, it might be a little bit of a distraction but I have fun.
“I love it. I have some great memories here.
“I’m so proud of the group – we had this goal and we accomplished it.”