Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental in Team LeBron win over Team Durant in Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game in Clevelant.
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.
"I feel terrible. I did not know it was Khris." 🤣 pic.twitter.com/mqAj9bSUqT
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2022
Antetokounmpo takes place among legends meets Michael Jordan
Giannis 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.
🤯 Giannis Antetokounmpo is 27 and already has gotten 2 League MVP and has been to 6 All-Star Games and is a NBA CHAMPION
pic.twitter.com/zTMT6Du2s4— Wisconsin Sports Nation (@WiscNation1) February 21, 2022
GOAT Talk. pic.twitter.com/mB8BCGD5FF
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2022
This after his block of Phoenix center Deandre Ayton in Game 4 of the NBA Finals and scream while hoisting the finals MVP trophy were the final images of the introductory video.
“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.”
"I hope I'm one of the best to ever play. But if I'm not, it doesn't matter to me because I know I gave everything."
— Giannis Antetokounmpo
pic.twitter.com/rxF3Bt8W3X— Basketball Psychology (@BallisPsych) February 19, 2022
Giannis Antetokounmpo: “There were only two Europeans on this (75th) team right? That’s insane. Sitting next to Michael Jordan.. that’s great. Lebron James.. but having the opportunity next to Dirk who opened the path for us. That’s even more of an incredible feeling for me.” pic.twitter.com/plLE2ySsy0
— Landon Thomas (@sixfivelando) February 21, 2022
Antetokounmpo was named the 2021 NBA All-Star Game MVP
Last year Antetokounmpo was named the 2021 NBA All-Star Game MVP.
Team LeBron scored a 170-150 win over Team Durant in a game that was rather short on drama.
The Greek Freak, who finished with 35 points and seven rebounds on a perfect 16-of-16 from the field, received the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP.
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