“Love Him to Death”: Missing Wife Through Pregnancy, Giannis Makes Emotional Confession After Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s NBA Cup Support

When Giannis Antetokounmpo won the championship in 2021, he ran straight to his mother and family. Tonight, after a bright night in Las Vegas ended with the Milwaukee Bucks crowned as the NBA Cup champions, he visited his elder brother Thanasis. They shared an embrace after a night that Thanasis Antetokounmpo spent actively cheering on the Bucks from the sidelines.

In the past, the Greek Freak prioritizing his family over the team in such moments has come under criticism. But to the 30-year-old, Thansis Antetokounmpo has been his ‘day 1’. And what propels him to keep giving it his all are the members of his family who he spoke about after claiming MVP honors for the NBA Cup.

“My kid wasn’t able to be here. My mom is almost there every game. My wife is almost there every game wasn’t able to be here. Only Thansis was here and my sister-in-law. So yeah where we started where we are, extremely happy and proud of the journey. I don’t take any moment for granted, and I just had to embrace my brother to celebrate him,” he told the media.

With Thansis though, Giannis Antetokounmpo always feels the need to impress him. And having done that tonight, the two-time MVP wanted to include him in the celebrations. “He’s been my unwavering supporter since Day 1, not just in my career but as my brother. He’s always been there for me in all the high-pressure moments. In all the difficult moments he’s no matter the outcome so I have to impress by brother. I love him to death,” the Bucks ace expressed.

There’s some truth to it. Jeff Teague, a former All-Star turned podcaster has spoken about the indirect impact Thanasis tends to have on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Having a constant pillar of support allows him to elevate his game. Antetokounmpo’s family continues to remind him of the purpose behind his hard work.

And tonight, he fulfilled that mission.

Another MVP-like show from Giannis Antetokounmpo

Coming into tonight, there was more than just an NBA Cup crown and $514k to fight for. It was virtually a game to claim who would be the Most Valuable Player. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were the competitors. And tonight, the Greek Freak emerged as the better man.

It wasn’t a huge scoring night like his 50-point explosion in the closeout game during the 2021 Finals. However, Giannis Antetokounmpo utilized his magnetism to make plays for everyone around him. Notching up a fourth triple-double for the season, he cracked open the Thunder defense by feeding to the perimeter.

Milwaukee hit 17 triples, tied for their third-highest mark this season. But Antetokounmpo’s performance went beyond his 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. On the defensive end, the Greek powerhouse was an elite rim protector. He recorded three blocks and two steals in the game, ensuring he fills the stat sheet in one of the hardest tests for the Bucks this season.

However, this isn’t the goal they have set off for. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s priority is winning the championship. And after a 2-8 start, Milwaukee finally looks threatening. The team decided it was best not to lose track of their primary goal and decided to not celebrate with champagne showers in the locker room.

In the regular season, the Greek Freak is averaging the most points he ever has. Additionally, he and Damian Lillard are learning how to remain the dominant forces while also integrating their teammates. Milwaukee wants to continue the process of growing together. So even though they had every reason to celebrate, the Bucks are reserving them for a night they can hopefully add a second title in the Giannis era.

Given the sublime uptick of the Bucks, do you think they are legitimate title contenders? Let us know your views in the comments below.