Scores Unique Points Against Boston Celtics, Giannis: I'm Lucky God Gave Me The Ability To Jump
JAKARTA - Giannis Antetokounmpo drew attention when he led the Milwaukee Bucks to beat the Boston Celtics 101-89 in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals at TD Garden, Massachusetts, Sunday, May 1 local time.
In that match, Antetokounmpo scored a trio of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists. What is special, he uniquely scored points with six minutes and 18 seconds remaining in the last quarter.
Antetokounmpo attempted to break into the Celtics' paint area when he was blocked by Grant Williams in front of him plus a double-mark by Jaylen Brown.
Realizing he was in a tight spot, Antetokounmpo threw the ball onto the board before jumping in and slinging the rebound into the basket-like an individual alley-oop dunk.
"What did I see? I had the ball and I thought, 'Ah, shit. I'm going to be stuck,'" Antetokounmpo said after the game as quoted from the NBA's official website, Monday, May 2, quoted from Antara.
"I bounced it off the board. And I was lucky enough because God blessed me with the ability to jump. I jumped well enough to catch the ball again and finish the game", he added.
This unique point is like an illustration of Antetokounmpo's nickname as a Monster from Greece or literally a Greek Stranger.
The similarity of the nickname with the points he scored has invited praise from Antetokounmpo's teammate, Jrue Holiday.
"I couldn't do it. I didn't even think about trying. He has the right nickname", said Holiday, who also played brilliantly to help the Bucks win with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
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Meanwhile, Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer said Antetokounmpo's unique point reminded him of how lucky he was to manage a team featuring the 27-year-old star.
"It was pure talent and instinct. He's a great player who does unique and special things at the right time. It's one of those games that remember how happy we are that he's on our side", said Budenholzer.
This victory made the Bucks open the East semifinal series with a 1-0 advantage before playing Game 2 which was again played at the Celtics headquarters on Tuesday, May 3 local time.