Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2021 NBA Finals performance will be remembered by basketball fans around the world as legendary. A dominant performance that earned him the 2021 Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.
He led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship in 50 years with a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday. The Bucks star poured in 50 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks.
Giannis is the second player in NBA history with three 40-point, 10-rebound games in a single NBA Finals. He joins Shaquille O’Neal, who did so in 2000 versus the Pacers.
The two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year is now adding NBA championship and Finals MVP to his resume.
Giannis joins Michael Jordan as the only other player in NBA history to win two regular-season MVPs, one Finals MVP and one Defensive Player of the Year award.
The Greek Freak is now one of five international players to win Finals MVP.
International Players to win Finals MVP
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (2021)
• Dirk Nowitzki, Mavericks (2011)
• Tony Parker, Spurs (2007)
• Tim Duncan, Spurs (1999, 2003, 2005)
• Hakeem Olajuwon, Rockets (1994-95)
Additionally, Antetokounmpo is the first Finals MVP to have also won Kia NBA Most Improved Player (2016-17).
Prior to Game 6, Giannis addressed the media about the potential of winning a championship: “We can’t have any plans of celebrating until it’s done.” He delivered on the court and it’s finally time to celebrate in Milwaukee.
[…] The Bucks won them largely because of Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP in the regular season who raised his game even higher in the finals and was voted the NBA Finals MVP. […]
[…] Bucks super star Giannis Antetokounmpo scores 50 points and added 14 rebounds and five blocked shots in the series clinching game 6 to win 2021 NBA Finals MVP award. […]