“Man, that feeling. That feeling was a great feeling. That feeling was one of the best feelings I’ve had, and I’m not even going to say what I’m thinking because it’s probably gonna go viral,” said Giannis when describing what it felt like winning his first-ever NBA championship. Securing the ultimate accolade in the biggest basketball league in the world is an honor not every great basketball player gets to walk away with. Renowned names like Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller secured several individual accolades in their a little over one-and-a-half-decade long careers, but never that Larry O’Brien trophy. Fortunately, along with everything he has earned till now, the ‘Greek Freak’ also boasts of having a championship ring. However, for a player of his caliber, is one ring enough? Certainly not, as he himself revealed recently.
Giannis Antetokounmpo recently appeared as a guest on the podcast hosted by his elder brother and former teammate, Thanasis Antetokounmpo. During the same time, he recalled the Bucks’ 2020-21 championship season, which Thanasis was also a part. Giannis revealed loving the run and the people with whom the ‘Greek Freak’ won the championship title.
From “Chris going crazy, Jrue doing his thing, Mamadi not playing against Brooklyn and then coming, I guess Atlanta, the Hawks”, the memory of all that led to the ring holding a special place for Giannis. Despite that, the player now believes that the previous methods are not enough to win a championship in today’s age. Now, the Greek-Nigerian superstar wants to try some new methods and, in the process, create some new memories. With any hope, all of the efforts will lead to a 2nd ring.
“So yeah, I’m trying to, I’m trying to win a second ring, man. I really believe, I’ll say this, here is one of my goals,” Antetokounmpo revealed. With good reason, too! The 30-year-old will no doubt go down in history as a great NBA player. All thanks to a Finals MVP, 2 MVPs, multiple All-Team honors, and, of course, the 2021 championship title he secured. However, to go from great to legendary status requires one to have multiple rings on their hands. Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James are examples of players who led their teams to 4 or more championship titles. It was a feat that immortalized them in the NBA history books.
And Giannis definitely wants in on that exclusive club! “Like, everybody paced to win, but like, me not having a second championship, I look back at my career and everybody can say ‘Oh yeah, incredible career. Active Hall of Famer, first ballot’, whatever. But me, my personal goal, like if I’m not able to help my team win a 2nd ring, I’m letting down myself. Like, I really want to win a 2nd one. Hopefully, I do it. Hopefully, I’m healthy,” he shared.
There’s more to winning a second title under his tenure. The Milwaukee Bucks have won only 1 other championship title, back in 1971. Therefore, leading the current roster to their 2nd ring would further raise ‘The Greek Freak’s status within Milwaukee. It won’t be too bad of a legacy for someone raised in Athens and who carved his way to the NBA through the youth teams of the Filathlitikos club.
Giannis Antetokounmpo has his eyes set on a SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP. pic.twitter.com/KO0i1EY68v
— Thanalysis Show (@ThanalysisShow) April 16, 2025
Now, with the Bucks in the playoffs for the 9th consecutive year, Giannis has been given another chance to compete for the championship. Therefore, with his recent remarks, the ‘Greek Freak’ has made it clear to his teammates that, as Ed Harris said in Apollo 13, ‘Failure is not an option’. Especially considering that the squad will face some Déjà vu, since they will once again compete with the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs.
Fortunately, the odds might be in favor of Milwaukee this time. After all, there is one Pacers stat that gives Giannis the edge over his rivals.
Can Giannis Antetokounmpo take advantage of the Pacers’ ranking 26th in points allowed during the playoffs?
From a general consensus, the odds would favor the Indiana Pacers to win the 1st round of the playoffs. The Pacers have equally won and lost 10 of the last 20 games against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Co. Then again, they did win the 1st round in the 2023-24 playoffs. Surprisingly, on the other 2 previous occasions the Bucks and Pacers met in the playoffs, the former were defeated in the 1st round! However, the performance delivered by the current Pacers roster in the regular season showed that they might not be up to the mark in this postseason.
According to ‘Behind the Buck Pass’, the Indiana Pacers ranked No. 26 in points allowed in the paint during the 2024-25 season. Reporter Maxwell Ogden described this as shocking, since the Pacers boast exceptional players, including shot-blocking star Myles Turner. Turner was on the court for 72 games and averaged 2.0 blocks per game. Despite this, from the looks of it, the Pacers struggled to keep opponents away from the rim. Not a good thing, especially when you’re dealing with an opponent like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jan 12, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The ‘Freak’ Antetokounmpo reportedly ranked No. 1 in the NBA by averaging 19.5 points in the paint. He also shot 58.2% on drives. In the last 10 games against the Pacers, Giannis has averaged 36.9 points, 13.1 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. All while shooting 67.5% from the field. This proves that Giannis can attack from inside the paint and, given the Pacers’ recent stats, he will take full advantage.
So, the Milwaukee Bucks or the Indiana Pacers? Who will you be rooting for? Let us know in the comments section down below.
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