Eight years since making his debut, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally sees himself in the biggest stage of them all, the NBA Finals. The path for the ‘Greek Freak’ hasn’t been easy though.

From being one of the worst teams in the NBA, Giannis and the Bucks made steady progress and by 2018-19, were one of the best teams in regular season. But the team struggled a lot in the post-season.

But through some major tweaks and perseverance from the whole team, the Bucks have redefined themselves this post-season and have beaten the best of the best in the process.

“Figured out how to beat Phoenix”: NBA legend Julius Erving Believes Milwaukee Bucks Will Close Out Series in Game 6

Giannis Antetokounmpo set to fulfill Kobe Bryant’s incredible challenge

While he entered the NBA, one of the biggest inspirations for the ‘Greek Freak’ was late legendary Laker Kobe Bryant. Kobe who was a supportive idol, usually wanted to see the best out of his followers and Giannis was no different.

Shortly after retiring from the NBA, Bryant usually gave out challenges to superstars of the league. Back in 2017, Giannis who was up for a dare from the ‘Black Mamba’, was challenged to win the MVP trophy.

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT

Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online

April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal Get Revenge on Kendrick Perkins as TNT Co-Hosts Relishes in Hilarious Live TV Battle

April 24, 2024 07:53 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Two years later when the Giannis won his first MVP trophy, Kobe was elated to say the least. After congratulating the Bucks’ superstar, Bryant went to have a subsequent challenge for Antetokounmpo as he tweeted out, “Next up: Championship.”

With a 3-2 lead, Giannis is now only a win away from adding a much awaited Larry O’Brian trophy and fulfilling one of his idol’s prophecy. While he won two MVP trophies in a row, the ‘Greek Freak‘ couldn’t translate the same form in the playoffs.

Often struggling against a loaded paint area, Giannis settled for bad jumpers or inefficient mid-range shots. But with the Bucks adding some top shooters and replacing their starting guard with Jrue Holiday, Antetokounmpo finally had some leeway.

The Greek Freak has also stuck to his strengths as he has significantly decreased taking ill-fated jumpers. This has resulted in an efficient scoring display from Giannis who can now focus more on the defensive side of things as well. Can Giannis finally close out the Finals series in game 6 and win his first title?