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“It’s a Special Milestone”: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heartening Christmas Day MSG Fact Wins Over the NBA World

Published 12/25/2023, 10:21 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

Twenty years ago, in October 2013, 19-year-old Giannis Antetokounmpo made his NBA debut at the Madison Square Garden Arena against the New York Knicks. As a rookie, Giannis played less than five minutes for the Bucks but lost to the Knicks, 90-83. Five years later, in 2018, he played his first-ever NBA Christmas game right here in MSG.

Times are different now as he once again relives the memory, but this time as a star player for the Bucks. This year’s Christmas Day showdown will once again host the Bucks at MSG, as this marks a huge milestone for the former MVP.

Back to where it all started

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And just like that, Giannis is back in the arena that holds a lot of significance in his NBA career. In a sweet gesture, the NBA took to X to share a video of Giannis arriving for the game. Captioned, “Giannis arrives at MSG for his 6th #NBAXmas Game… where he also played his first back in 2018!” the post elicited several heartwarming comments from fans. 

Acknowledging Giannis’ journey in the NBA, one fan wrote, “Wow, that’s quite a journey! It’s a special milestone. Can’t wait to catch the game!

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Another fan commented, “Giannis returns to where it all began for his 6th #NBAXmas showdown!

In the video, we see a glimpse of Giannis executing the NBA fans’ favorite ‘tunnel walk’, sporting a simple and classy look with a Dolce and Gabbana jacket over a black turtleneck. Carrying a fanny bag in his hand, the 7X All-NBA star is also seen rocking a pair of white Jordans. This has fans reminiscing about Giannis’ early years in the league.

Fans can’t stop reminiscing

Fans are all over the comment section, pouring their love and support for the Greek Freak because the Christmas game was made even more special because of his history with the Knicks and Madison Square Garden. This is where it all began for Giannis as this fan rightfully points out:

The Bucks played their last game with the Knicks and clenched a strong 130-111 win. As they gear up for another face-off, this fan is confident that they will take home another win tonight.

While this fan knows what’s up.

This user sums up the energy for tonight’s game with a very apt gif.

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Shutting down all naysayers, another fan hails Giannis as the best player in the last decade

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The Bucks are heading off to tonight’s game with seven back-to-back wins. Do you think they will be able to maintain this streak? Will it be their second back-to-back win vs the Knicks? Share your thoughts!

Watch This Story – Rumored to Join Stephen Curry’s Warriors, $228,200,420 Earning Giannis Antetokounmpo Follows Michael Jordan’s Footsteps to Gain Money Through Golf

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Written by:

Tsuktibenla T Jamir

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Tsuktibenla T Jamir is an NBA author at EssentiallySports. Armed with a Masters in Journalism from the prestigious Delhi School of Journalism, this Nagaland native combines her academic prowess with her passion for the game to craft compelling narratives that bring the NBA to life. She finds immense joy in dissecting the journeys of the athletes who make the game larger than life.
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Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja