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Giannis Antetokounmpo Meets Michael Jordan at the NBA All Star Game

Michael Jordan Giannis Antetokounmpo NBA All Star Game
I was in shock meeting arguably the best player to ever play the game, Antetokounmpo said of Jordan. Credit: Twitter/Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo met Michael Jordan for the very first time in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in Clevelant.

Antetokounmpo said that he was initially told that Jordan was not going to be in attendance. But once he saw him, he was in awe.

“I asked if he was here, but they told me he was not here at first. But then I saw him when he came out and I was kind of like in shock… arguably the best player to ever play the game. It’s crazy. I just went up to him to introduce myself.

“I was kind of surprised he knew who I was… no I’m just joking.”

Antetokounmpo almost “teared up” being among Michael Jordan and other legends of NBA

Antetokounmpo took a minute slide into his blue blazer with the commemorative NBA 75 diamond logo to be introduced as one of the top 75 players in the history of the league during halftime.

It was an awe-inspiring collection of the best players in the league’s history determined by balloting of a select committee of players, coaches, executives and media. They were all honored at halftime of All-Star weekend’s showcase event.

Asked about how he felt being among all those legends of NBA, the Greek Freak said that he almost teared up on stage.

“It was a great feeling,” Antetokounmpo said. “Man, you start playing basketball when you’re young and everybody wants to be the next all-time greats. Your name being called, going out there to shake their hands and just standing next to them it was unbelievable, it was amazing. I kind of, kind of teared up on stage. Because like, I’m not supposed to be here, man. Being among those guys, it’s crazy.”

Antetokounmpo on the winning side for Team LeBron in NBA All Star Game

Antetokounmpo was instrumental in Team LeBron win over Team Durant in the NBA All-Star Game.

Antetokounmpo finished with 30 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, three steals and a blocked shot.

Stephen Curry made a record 16 three-pointers and LeBron James hit the game-winner for his own team in the 163-160 win.

Curry scored 50 points to lead all scorers and earn the MVP award.

“When you see a guy like Steph knocking down threes like that and putting (on) a show, you don’t want him to lose the game,” Antetokounmpo said.

“So as a teammate — obviously I’m not his teammate in the regular season — but for tonight I thought he deserved to be MVP and I just tried to win the game and make plays so I could help my team win.”

Antetokounmpo’s blocked shot came on his own Milwaukee Bucks teammate Khris Middleton. Middleton, playing for Team Durant, took the ball to the basket late in the fourth quarter but Antetokounmpo blocked him from behind.

 

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