Giannis Antetokounmpo
(Part 3)

On December 15, 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo solidified his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks by signing a historic 5-year, $228 million contract extension, marking the largest deal in NBA history. This reaffirmed his dedication to the team and its aspirations for future success.
At the 2021 All-Star Game, Antetokounmpo showcased his unparalleled skills, leading his team to victory with an impressive 35-point performance on a perfect 16-of-16 shooting from the field. His stellar performance earned him the prestigious All-Star MVP award, making him the first non-American player to achieve this honor.
During the 2020–21 season, Antetokounmpo continued to elevate his game, guiding the Bucks to a commendable 46–26 record and securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, he displayed exceptional leadership and talent, leading the Bucks to significant victories, including a four-game sweep against the Miami Heat in the first round.
Despite facing adversity with a knee injury during the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks, Antetokounmpo demonstrated resilience and determination. Although sidelined for Games 5 and 6, his absence didn't deter the Bucks, who emerged victorious and advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in nearly five decades.


Antetokounmpo's return to the court for the Finals against the Phoenix Suns was met with anticipation, and he didn't disappoint. He delivered stellar performances, including back-to-back games with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds, joining elite company in NBA history.
In Game 6 of the Finals, Antetokounmpo's monumental 50-point, 14-rebound, and 5-block performance propelled the Bucks to victory, securing their first championship in 50 years. His remarkable contributions throughout the series earned him unanimous recognition as the NBA Finals MVP, capping off a season of unparalleled success.
At just 26 years old, Antetokounmpo's achievements have solidified his place among basketball's elite, joining the likes of Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon as one of the few players to have won the MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year awards during their careers. His impact on the game transcends borders, making him a global icon and inspiring athletes around the world.


On October 19, 2021, Giannis Antetokounmpo kicked off the season with a stellar performance, recording 32 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in a commanding victory over the Nets. Throughout the season, he showcased his exceptional skills and versatility, achieving several remarkable milestones and cementing his status as one of the league's elite players.
On January 13, 2022, Antetokounmpo delivered a spectacular performance against the Golden State Warriors, leading the Bucks to victory with 30 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists, and 3 blocks in less than thirty minutes of play. This performance marked his second 30-point triple-double in 30 minutes, a feat unprecedented in NBA history. Additionally, he tied Michael Jordan's career mark of 28 triple-doubles, further solidifying his place among basketball legends.


Throughout the season, Antetokounmpo continued to showcase his dominance, delivering impressive performances in key matchups. Notably, he scored a season-high 50 points against the Indiana Pacers, joining a select group of players in NBA history to achieve such a feat while shooting 80% or better from the field.
Antetokounmpo's impact extended beyond scoring, as he consistently contributed across multiple statistical categories. In a crucial game against the Philadelphia 76ers, he delivered a game-winning block on Joel Embiid in the final seconds, showcasing his defensive prowess and leadership.
In a historic moment, Antetokounmpo surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the career-leading scorer in Bucks franchise history during a game against the Brooklyn Nets. This achievement underscored his significance to the team and his enduring legacy in Milwaukee.
As the regular season concluded, Antetokounmpo achieved another milestone by becoming the first player in NBA history to average 25 points or more, 10-plus rebounds, and five assists or more in four separate seasons.


During the playoffs, Antetokounmpo continued to shine, delivering standout performances in critical matchups. He recorded his second career playoff triple-double in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and posted impressive numbers throughout the postseason, making history with his remarkable statistical averages.
Off the court, Antetokounmpo's contributions were also recognized, as he was selected to his fourth consecutive NBA All-Defensive First Team and his fourth consecutive All-NBA First Team. These accolades further solidified his status as one of the premier players in the league and underscored his importance to the Milwaukee Bucks franchise.

References

1.  "Giannis Antetokounmpo". NBA.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2021. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
2. ^ "Filathlitikos AO basketball, News, Roster, Rumors, Stats, Awards, Transactions, Details - eurobasket". www.eurobasket.com. Archived from the original on January 29, 2019. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
3. ^ "Basket CAI Zaragoza se hace con los derechos de Giannis Adetocunbo". ACB.com (in Spanish). December 17, 2012. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
4. ^ "Giannis Antetokoubo profile". FIBA.com. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
5. ^ "Όλα τα αστέρια στο All Star Game". Sports24.gr (in Greek). March 6, 2013. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
6. ^ @DraftExpress (April 28, 2013). "Giannis Adetokunbo (@GAdetokunbo) has officially made himself eligible for the 2013 NBA Draft, his agent @DimitropulosFCM tells us" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
7. ^ "Bucks Sign First Round Pick Giannis Antetokounmpo". NBA.com. July 30, 2013. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved April 4, 2016.
8. ^ "Bucks sign Neal, Antetokounmpo". NBA.com. July 30, 2013. Archived from the original on December 8, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
9. ^ Gruman, Andrew (May 22, 2014). "Bucks' Antetokounmpo named to NBA's All-Rookie second team". FoxSports.com. Archived from the original on July 5, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
10. ^ "Houston Rockets hit 15 3-pointers to beat Bucks 117-111". NBA.com. February 6, 2015. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2015.
11. ^ "Giannis Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week for Games Played Feb. 2-8". NBA.com. February 9, 2015. Archived from the original on February 11, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
12. ^ "Davis pours in 43, Pelicans beat Bucks 114-103". NBA.com. March 9, 2015. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2015.
13. ^ "James, Love lead Cavaliers past Bucks, 115-100". NBA.com. November 19, 2015. Archived from the original on May 8, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
14. ^ "It's over: Bucks hand Warriors 1st loss, win 108-95". NBA.com. December 12, 2015. Archived from the original on December 12, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2015.
15. ^ "Bucks beat Lakers 108-101 in Kobe's final game in Milwaukee". NBA.com. February 22, 2016. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2016.