What a journey its been for Giannis pic.twitter.com/GIYg8jcPat, Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 25, 2019, MVP! Obviously you go somewhere without your family for four months, three months and you havent played basketball for three and a half, four months. Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock. Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock. In his speech, he thanked his family for supporting him and his teammates for pushing him to be the best player he could be. But obviously behind closed doors it can be differently. But I dont expect in the first game or second game or third game guys going to be a hundred percent. Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shot 4 of 15 from the foul line Friday and is hovering at an underwhelming 58.7 percent for the season, attempted to shoot free throws on the Wells Fargo. Thanks for the time. This years offseason will probably be more important than the year after. Giannis Antetokounmpo erupts for 50 points as the Bucks close out the Suns 105-98 in Game 6 to win their first NBA championship since 1971. Jun 24, 2022 Before he was an MVP and an NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo was a raw, skinny, largely unknown prospect, dismissed by half the league until the Bucks made him the 15th pick. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (08:37) As long as everybodys on the same page and as long as everybodys fighting for the same thing, fighting for the same thing every single day, which is to be a champion, I dont see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years, he said. Most importantly though, Antetokounmpo thanked three major players in his life his late father, who passed away in September 2017 at age 54, his four brothers and his mother. And then also you guys worked really hard to put yourselves in a position to have the one seed now thats taken away. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (04:01) Its kind of hard. A couple of possessions later, Antetokounmpo gets the ball on the wing facing a dwindling shot clock. 2006-2022 TalkBasket.net. Don't pencil in Joel Embiid as MVP just yet. The heartfelt embrace shared by Giannis and his family was a heartwarming reminder of how much we can all achieve when we have the support of those closest to us. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (00:02) Thank you for everything you do for me., And of course, Antetokounmpo couldnt leave out the person he called my true hero., "I want to thank my amazing mom, my amazing mom. The result marks the end of Greeces hopes for a European championship, as Germany capitalizes on its advantage as the host country. At the 2019 NBA Awards Show, the entire basketball world was in awe as Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo accepted the prestigious Most Valuable Player award. This award is not only a testament to my hard work and dedication, but also to the support and encouragement of all those around me. Training tables are like six feet apart from one another, coaches are wearing masks. And also you said you compare it a little bit to a FIBA tournament, but whats the mental grind going to be like being stuck in that bubble and how do you kind of prepare for it? NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Stats & facts to know from Bucks' title run, Finals MVP Ladder: Giannis realizes his dream, Giannis leads Bucks to first title in 50 years, NBA Twitter reacts to Bucks winning title, 5 stats to know for 76ers-Bucks matchup on ABC, Brooks suspended after receiving 16th technical foul, Grizzlies' Clarke (torn achilles) out indefinitely, Ja issues apology, will miss 'at least' 2 games, Ex-NBA player Morrow facing assault charges, Durant passes 'Big O' for 13th in career points. How do you guys say here in America? At the end of this Finals, win or lose, we're going to see some mind-boggling numbers from Antetokounmpo. Obviously I can speak for myself, my teammates I think theyre excited to play in Orlando, to play basketball again, to go out there and chase the title. Bucks star delivers Milwaukee a title for the first time in 50 years to take home top individual honors. How is the format going be? What does this title do for whoever comes out on top of this with everything they have to go through? Speaker 1: (00:01) Sometimes you want something so bad you dont get it. Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo capped off an incredible year by being named MVP of the 2018-19 NBA season during the league's awards show on Monday night. He earned back-to-back MVP honors in 2019 and 2020 while leading the Bucks to the leagues best regular-season record each of those years, but they kept falling short in the playoffs. November 28, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. EST. Giannis great to see you. He turned around and managed to block Ayton's dunk attempt to preserve the lead and, eventually, the win. Khris Middleton has not been able to create his own shot from mid-range. I want to go out there with my teammates again and win some games and go out there and play for something, chase a goal. Speaker 1: (00:04) Antetokounmpo had at least 40 points and 10 rebounds in three of the six games in this series. Are you excited? 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Read the transcript here. Robert Littal, editor-in-chief of Black Sports Online, also wrote in a Twitter post, pointing out that Bryant was part of Antetokounmpo's motivation to become the league's most valuable player in the first place. All Rights Reserved. In his first Finals appearance, Antetokounmpo dominated by averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and five assists per game. Glad they didnt turn the lights out on you so I can ask this question. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (20:08) Very humble guy. Instead, his humility allowed him to realize that tipping the ball to ANY other Buck on the court would have resulted in a much higher chance of victory. Phoenix, which had trailed by as many as 14 points, had cut the deficit to one and Devin Booker had a chance to take the lead with around 20 seconds remaining. Antetokounmpo didn't let it. "I'm happy, I'm happy, man. No part of this website may be reproduced without the express consent of TalkBasket.net, Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about his future at MVP speech, Giannis on his agents: I know theyre gonna put me in the best situation With the team or another team, Shannon Sharpe: LeBron James & Lakers wont make the mistake of underestimating Nuggets. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP Acceptance Speech, Khris Middleton Media Availability | 3.3.23, FMCW Practice Report | Bobby Portis 3.3.23. And just a quick follow up, you dont have concerns about thereve been some young people whove had some lung issues longterm. The honor recognizes a six-game tour de force from Antetokounmpo. You talked about flipping the switch a little bit and competing for a title, but you also honestly talked about Mariah and Liam and probably not seeing them for most if not the entire run. After the most thrilling play of the NBA Finals -- when Holiday stole the ball from Devin Booker and then threw a lob to Antetokounmpo, who was fouled while completing the dunk -- Giannis missed the free throw. I am especially thankful to my coaches and teammates who have been a continuous source of inspiration and motivation. So its easy, its not going to be hard I think. I feel like everybody is ready for this journey. But as I said, whoever wants more, whoever is mentally prepared for this whats going to go on in Orlando thats the team that is going to come on top. This is the card that we got dealt us so we just got to play with them. https://ftw.usatoday.com/2019/06/nba-mvp-giannis-antetokounmpo-emotional, Shaq roasted Lonzo Ball and LaVar Ball with a jaw-dropping joke at NBA Awards show, Ja Morant's alleged off-court drama and suspension, explained, Michael Jordan looking dejected over the Hornets became an instant meme, Memphis Grizzlies vs. Denver Nuggets, live stream, channel, time, how to watch NBA this season, Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics, live stream, channel, time, how to watch NBA this season, Draymond Green's claim that European NBA players are held to different standards is completely ridiculous, 1 bettor hit an absurd NBA first-basket method parlay to turn 77 cents into $18K, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Are we going to be able to stay in the campus? Next question Lance Allen WTMJ television. He is doing what he is doing now, but I think he would have been off the bench in the past. @ESPNStatsInfo, Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) July 21, 2021. ", He could have succumbed to his pride with thoughts about the future: "When I go for 50 tonight and bring my team back, it will cement my NBA legacy.". He also thanked the fans for believing in him, and said he wouldnt have been able to achieve success without their support. Antetokounmpo needs a scorer alongside him for the team to go far. My goal is to win a championship and we're going to do whatever we can to make that happen. You cannot stop him. Antetokounmpo's country of origin, in addition to his size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills have earned him the nickname "Greek Freak".Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as one of the greatest power . Giannis speech captured the hearts of people around the world, and set an example of hard work, determination, and dedication that will be remembered for years to come. We can't worry about the outcome," Antetokounmpo said after the Game 5 win. And now that you are, how do you feel about that with so much going on in the country and in the world? The Bucks superstar realizes his long-sought dream in walking away with Finals MVP honors. Its been quite some time since Mauricio Ramirez painted a mural of Milwaukees own, as he has done with his stunning three-story mural of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo has a chance to win his third MVP award. | Giannis 33 Points vs. Nets | 2.28.23. 10:36 am ET. Giannis had only two field goal attempts in the second quarter as the Bucks racked up 43 points and turned a 16-point first-quarter deficit into a three-point halftime lead. I think a lot of basketball players around the league really enjoyed that. Antetokounmpo kept his faith in the Bucks by signing a supermax extension in December. However, what is clear is that he is also an MVP outside the confines of the basketball court.. Spiros Velliniates, a basketball coach at a local Athens club, discovered Giannis on a playground in Greece and began the search for him. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | Now, with a potential free agency in the midst, Antetokounmpo told people what his decision will probably be. Lori Nickel: (03:43) Hi Giannis. Unlike Jordan, Antetokounmpo has earned all four awards in the span of two seasons. Middleton as a third piece will be great because they will not need him to create his own shot. Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is the NBA's version of Atlas, putting up incomparable per-game stats last year that had only ever been accomplished previously by him. But that is a skill that I've tried to, like, kind of -- how do you say it, perfect it, master it. He also thanked the fans for believing in him, and said he wouldn't have been able to achieve success without their support. At the end of the day we got to do our job and I know that the NBA is going to do their job and the NBPA are going to do their job to keep us as safe as possible to make this transition as easy as possible for us. But at the end of the day Ive heard a lot of people say that this is going to be how you guys say the star next to this championship. Share this article share tweet text email link Prince J. Grimes. I was just wondering as a new father, just being away from your family for at least a few weeks, how difficult is that going to be? So mentally I was just trying to stay ready. After receiving the award, Giannis hugged his parents, his brother Thanasis, and his agent Alex Saratsis. Malika Andrews: (08:27) Nobody wants to put themselves in the risk out there. (Morry Gash/AP) This is an excerpt from Ben Golliver's NBA Post Up . Youre just going to have to trust the process or do you have a little concern? section: | slug: giannis-antetokounmpo-wins-2021-nba-finals-mvp-bucks-star-becomes-youngest-winner-since-kawhi-leonard-in-2014 | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | Yeah. This is just the beginning. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a Finals for the ages. I just live with whatever outcome comes because I believe that Im supposed to be there in that time and place.. We traveled for seven days and after the week you see them again. Next question Zuora Stevenson with Fox Digital. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 2nd player in NBA history with three 40-point, 10-rebound games in a single NBA Finals, joining Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. The 26-year-old forward became the youngest player to win Finals MVP since Kawhi Leonard did so at the age of 22 in 2014. Its tough to not play basketball for a while but youve got to figure out other ways to get better. Giannis Antetokounmpo teared up at the NBA Awards. So hopefully my teammates can be ready for that also. Good to see you. Instead, he tipped it back to Khris Middleton, a much better free throw shooter, who knocked down one out of two to secure the win. Shes my hero, Antetokounmpo said. Giannis Antetokounmpo Press Conference | 3.1.23, Giannis Antetokounmpo 31 Points vs. Magic | 3.1.23, Highlights: Sweet 16 W's! So Im excited and happy to play basketball again because I can go out there and compete against other players again in other teams. But I thats got to start with the organization, the MBA. It doesn't happen. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (17:54) Giannis Antetokounmpo was crowned NBA Finals MVP after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship since 1971 in a six-game series win over the Phoenix Suns.The 26-year-old forward . In his speech, he thanked his family for supporting him and his teammates for pushing him to be the best player he could be. At the 2019 NBA Awards, Giannis Antetokounmpo takes home the honor for MVP and was emotional during his speech when he thanked the Milwaukee Bucks for taking a chance and believing in him.. Its the news, without the news. Im accessible, they can see me. Transcribe Your Own Content Antetokounmpo couldn't have done this without his favorite teammate, and with Middleton's help, he became the 2021 Finals MVP. Get a weekly digest of the weeks most important transcripts in your inbox. That raises a big question. Speaker 3: (09:07) which of the following is a procedural defense? Stephanie Sutton WISN television next question. Dallas Mavericks Star Struggles In Playoffs And Fans Worry, LeBron James: Building A Legacy Of Empowerment And Hope Through I Promise, The Resilience Of Love: A Look At LeBron & Savannahs Timeless Relationship. Hi Giannis. We have ourselves a winner for Milwaukee Bucks championship parade MVP, and it's not the driver who stepped on the gas at the beginning of the parade or Giannis Antetokounmpo shooting a free . Shes the foundation of this family. His Case in Six Words: Giannis Antetokounmpo Is the Most Dominant He's been most dominant the last three years. How are you doing? Antetokounmpo is the presumptive favorite to win MVP again this season. Transcribe your audio files to find high-impact insights in minutes. Youre my true hero.. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. And obviously I dont think theres going to be any player thats not going to be a little sad leaving their family behind, but it is what it is and you got to do your job. What are they allowing from a safety standpoint? Hey Giannis. With cameras and recorders constantly pointed toward your face, game after game, day after day, it's hard to come up with fresh, original, insightful remarks about a game you've been playing since you took your first steps. I know what the goal is, the goal is to win the championship, the goal is to get better. That's your pride talking. And finally, there was an unselfish play that might have gone unnoticed. Can you hear me? Because the circumstances are really, really tough right now. It was one of the single greatest games in NBA history, and Antetokounmpo did it on his home floor. Steve Ashburner nba.com. giannis mvp speech transcript Affordable auto transport rates Menu what happened to skittles crazy cores. Antetokounmpo also thanked his brothers, calling them role models. His brothers had to fight tears as well, especially when Antetokounmpo started talking about their mother. Speaker 3: (17:13) If anybody amongst your team has had a tougher time dealing with this layoff, some of the challenges of isolation and inactivity. Antetokounmpo jumped out to defend Devin Booker off a dribble handoff, so Booker threw a lob up to DeAndre Ayton that should have tied the game. He instead was back on the floor a week later for the start of the NBA Finals. But we can't forget that along with those came countless winning plays that are a result of his selflessness and suppression of his ego. The most powerful moments of the speech came when Antetokounmpo discussed his family, starting with his father, who died of a heart attack in Oct. 2017. Okay well pause on Eric Woodier, ESPN. So I used the opportunity to try to sharpen my tools a little bit. But as I said at the end of the day we have a goal, which is to get better and win the championship. My goal is to win a championship. Now that we dont have the advantage anymore it kind of a little bit sucks a little bit, because like we worked all year to play at home, play with our fans. I feel like at the end of the day this is going to be the toughest championship you could ever win. And as I said tried to get ready for Orlando. I did this in the past. The honesty and thoughtfulness involved in Antetokounmpo's answer, sparked by a brilliant question from The Athletic's Sam Amick, is as rare as the mythical unicorn to which Giannis is so often compared. "If you have a good parent, your parent sees the future for you. 2 years ago, @kobebryant challenged @Giannis_An34 to win MVP. My goal is to win a championship and I am going to do whatever it takes to make that happen.. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (04:49) And my personal goal is to win the championship and I got to be ready for no matter what they throw in our face or in our table I got to be ready for that. He has been most dominant the. When I focus on the future, it's my pride: 'Yeah, next game, Game 5, I do this and this and this. So obviously this is new for everybody getting back into the swing of things in July. The Milwaukee Bucks forward was named the NBAs MVP for the 2018-19 season at the ceremony, held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.