With his stunning Game 6 performance that led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years on July 20, Giannis Antetokounmpo thrilled devoted fans all over the world – his team’s home court at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin, his family’s native Nigeria, his beloved Greece, where he was born and raised, and Greek-Americans from coast to coast.
In what is already being called “a game for the ages,” Antetokounmpo scored 50 points, shot 16 for 25 from the field, and hit 17 of 19 free throws – he was also brilliant on defense with five blocked shots.
“I’m so blessed to work with Giannis every day … He’s a special human being, he’s an even more amazing human being than he is a player. I’ve learned so much from him and his leadership,” said Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer after the game.
SUPERLEAGUE ATHLETICACADEMY LEADS DIASPORA CHEERS
After initial fears that injuries to the African-Greek superstar would prematurely end the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run, by the Finals crowds were once again serenading him with chants of “MVP, MVP.” Among the choirs of Giannis Faithful are passionate and devoted groups of Greek-Americans – like the participants in the New York-based SuperLeague AthleticAcademy (SLAA).
A group flew to Phoenix, AZ for Game 2 of the NBA finals on July 8 to root for their Hellenic hero and cheer his team to an NBA Finals comeback – it worked like a charm, sparking Gannis to his first of two consecutive 40+ point games, though there was a one-game delay for his team: The Bucks trounced the Suns 120-100 back home in Milwaukee in Game 3.
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Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Keith Allison
