Section 107, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Speech-to-Text live streaming for live captions, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition API. Milwaukee needed another big play at the end of Game 5. Everybody stopped playing basketball and everybody stopped playing games. I trusted this team. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (22:30) Just the bubble experience of not being with your family. Speech-to-Text API for pre-recorded audio, powered by the worlds leading speech recognition engine. But at the end of the day Ive done that before, Ive played a couple of FIBA tournaments. Theyd make him shoot jump shots in this situation. Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo won his second straight Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award on Friday, becoming the 12th player in league history to secure the award in consecutive. Giannis, when asked about his future: "As long as everybody's on the same page and as long as everybody's fighting for the same thing, fighting for the same thing every single day, which is to be a champion, I don't see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years.". Yeah, thats life. Giannis' MVP speech was EMOTIONAL #Shorts @nbaeurope 219 Dislike 9 POV Every day you wake up with a new way to make money @devincaherlyshorts Like Dislike Share $5 Christmas Present. Antetokounmpo is now a two-time MVP, but the team has not had the success it needs yet. I havent played five versus five in a while. Obviously we didnt have time to practice as much as we wanted to, but now that we are able to get back and play, practice and shoot around, shoot a little bit its kind of like helping us get back to where we were before the season got canceled. I am honored and humbled to receive the MVP award. How are you doing? I just live with whatever outcome comes because I believe that Im supposed to be there in that time and place.. Me personally Im excited, obviously kind of worried and dont know what to expect once I get there. Zuora Stevenson: (14:45) Youre my true hero.. All Rights Reserved. Bucks vs. 76ers odds, picks, computer sims, Morant to miss 'at least' two games after IG post, NBA DFS picks, lineups, advice, March 4 strategy, Grizzlies' Clarke out for season with Achilles injury, Raptors vs. Wizards odds, picks, computer sims, Streaking Warriors must overcome one major roadblock. So I think were just going to pick it up right where we left from. Next question will be from Tim van Boren from WITI TV. But Ive done this in FIBA before. Its weird. "When you focus on the past, that's your ego: 'I did this. All Rights Reserved. What was it? Speaking of that kind of idea, theres times when you dont love speaking with us on game days, because you dont want to give another team bulletin board material. That play was rewarded with the MVP award, making Antetokounmpo, 24, the youngest winner since Derrick Rose in 2011. I wondered what questions or concerns you had for the league to feel safe about playing and what I mean by that is did you ask about the medical facilities down there or the staff or how frequently testing? NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo thanks God in MVP acceptance speech. So its something that I felt I wanted to do. Stephanie Sutton WISN television next question. section: | slug: giannis-antetokounmpo-wins-2021-nba-finals-mvp-bucks-star-becomes-youngest-winner-since-kawhi-leonard-in-2014 | sport: basketball | route: article_single.us | This years offseason will probably be more important than the year after. That's going out there, enjoying the game, competing at a high level. Thanks for your time today first and foremost. So yeah, you got to be ready for both scenarios, win or lose. Oh, blackout. Yeah. Can you hear me? https://t.co/cT5siwkvjv. If you are having difficulty accessing any content on this website, please visit our Accessibility page. Next question we have Steve [inaudible 00:09:10] with Associated Press. Shes my hero, Antetokounmpo said. Thats how it is in FIBA. What was the second question you asked Eric? He finishes his speech by saying this MVP award is just the beginning and his ultimate goal is a championship. Subscribe to ESPN+ https://plus.espn.com/ Get the ESPN App: http://www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn Subscribe to ESPN on YouTube: http://es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoYOUTUBE Subscribe to ESPN FC on YouTube: http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on YouTube: http://bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN Watch ESPN on YouTube TV: http://es.pn/YouTubeTVExclusive interviews with Rachel Nichols https://urlzs.com/jNUReStephen A. Smith on ESPN https://urlzs.com/W19TzESPN on Social Media: Follow on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/espn Like on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/espn Follow on Instagram: www.instagram.com/f/espnVisit ESPN on YouTube to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, College Football, NCAA Basketball, soccer and more. Obviously whoever team wants it more has got to be mentally prepared for all this situation and got to go out there and execute. Hi Giannis. Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo took part in a press conference today where he talked about the NBA season restart, saying this will be the "toughest championship to win" due to not being able to see family and not being able to have fans. Thank you again for this incredible honor. Awesome. We have ourselves a winner for Milwaukee Bucks championship parade MVP, and it's not the driver who stepped on the gas at the beginning of the parade or Giannis Antetokounmpo shooting a free . Speaker 3: (01:52) With Giannis on the bench to start the second quarter, the Bucks quickly chipped away at the lead thanks to brilliant play from Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton. Next question Lance Allen WTMJ television. Its the news, without the news. Then, in Games 4 and 5, he gave the Bucks two of the most iconic plays in Finals history. Antetokounmpo didn't let it. Giannis Antetokounmpo erupts for 50 points as the Bucks close out the Suns 105-98 in Game 6 to win their first NBA championship since 1971. pic.twitter.com/ys2pQ56VFm. Giannis delivered. I feel like this year, lose or win, that did not happen. Next question will be from Lori Nickel with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Its tough to not play basketball for a while but youve got to figure out other ways to get better. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (13:12) Giannis Antetokounmpo: (16:05) ", Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 25, 2019. Its important. They live for a little bit longer thats the goal. And were going to try to do that with every means possible. Thats pretty much it. Its kind of weird Im not going to lie to you. Giannis, so we spoke before earlier this year man and you talked about your goal is obviously wanting to be one of the greatest players of all time, man. This award is not only a testament to my hard work and dedication, but also to the support and encouragement of all those around me. She is the foundation of this family. I feel like at the end of the day this is going to be the toughest championship you could ever win. I trusted this team. So its kind of weird. The second question was are you concerned at all that your team, the Bucks have lost a little momentum because youve had this time off during the pandemic as the season resumes now? He was forced to miss the EuroBasket championship due to a knee injury, and he was ejected after Greeces loss to Germany. If something happened and knock on wood, we not able to go the way win the whole thing thats life. But at the end of the day not being able to play our home, our fans is going to be hard. Transcripts & captions for a better media workflow. Giannis Antetokounmpo after supermax extension with the Bucks: This is my Giannis Antetokounmpo is a sports hero, according to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Giannis Antetokounmpo out for the remainder of Game 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as questionable with an ankle injury, Giannis Antetokounmpo has monster dunk against Orlando Magic. Trying to focus like now being in the moment all the time and we just go and see whats going to happen. How challenging do you think it will be to play a contact sport after months and months of socially distancing and trying to stay away from people? Instead, he tipped it back to Khris Middleton, a much better free throw shooter, who knocked down one out of two to secure the win. 2 min read Giannis Antetokounmpo is your 2019 NBA MVP, and the. So in my head I was like, Okay, I know the NBA is going to make that decision and the safest decision for us. But at the end of the day, I got to be ready. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 2nd player in NBA history with three 40-point, 10-rebound games in a single NBA Finals, joining Shaquille O'Neal in 2000. You know I love you guys. I cant imagine going there for three months, I think the game is going to be played mentally a lot. Are we going to be able to leave the campus? Antetokounmpo also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, showing how much of a force he was in all phases of the game. Antetokounmpo began his speech by thanking God and the many people who helped him achieve his dreams. Spiros Velliniates, a basketball coach at a local Athens club, discovered Giannis on a playground in Greece and began the search for him. The setting was appropriate. Health wise I feel great, I feel a hundred percent healthy. Antetokounmpo, being the physical freak that he is, caught it and slammed it down to cement Milwaukee's victory: JRUE STEAL. November 28, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. EST. If anybody amongst your team has had a tougher time dealing with this layoff, some of the challenges of isolation and inactivity. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nba | pageType: stories | I want to thank my teammates, man. Lori Nickel: (05:16) I forgot sorry. As long as everybodys on the same page and as long as everybodys fighting for the same thing, fighting for the same thing every single day, which is to be a champion, I dont see why not to be in Milwaukee for the next 15 years, he said. His case in six words: Giannis Antetokounmpo is the most dominant. I know what the goal is, the goal is to win the championship, the goal is to get better. "I'm happy, I'm happy, man. Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven that a player can go from being a good prospect to an elite superstar through sheer hard work and sacrifice. He is doing what he is doing now, but I think he would have been off the bench in the past. But for sure, I think me, my teammates, my family, especially my mom, everybody has concern about our health and my health. But I think as we move forward, as guys get more comfortable, the level of basketball is going to get better this game. He pushed me every day to be great. But at the end of the day, we got to do what we got to do. The fouls definitely going to help me. Antetokounmpo finished with his usual, dominant stat line of 32 points, nine rebounds and six assists, but his performance was marked by unselfishness, patience, and, yes, humility. So whoever wants it more is going to be able to go out there and take it. My goal is to win a championship," Giannis said in his 2019 MVP acceptance speech. I was getting too high (after wins), and maybe the loss I felt like it was the end of the world, Antetokounmpo said the day before winning the championship. Josef Castillo is a basketball coach and the owner of a basketball blog called bashabearsbasketball.com. So Im excited and Im waiting to see what thats going to be. Are we going to be able to bring our family there from day one? Giannis Antetokounmpo just served everyone a reminder that he's in the MVP conversation, too Mike D. Sykes, II March 30, 2022 11:26 am ET The collective 76ers fanbase (and Drew Hanlen) got. Giannis Antetokounmpo may have won the NBAs 2019 Most Valuable Player award, but it was the embrace he shared with his family that had everyone talking. As my dad told me, you know always one more but never be greedy. Very humble guy. Middleton and Antetokounmpo have spent eight years together. Lance Allen: (17:22) Speaker 1: (00:01) You cannot stop him. Become a freelancer and work on your own terms. Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who shot 4 of 15 from the foul line Friday and is hovering at an underwhelming 58.7 percent for the season, attempted to shoot free throws on the Wells Fargo. Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo (born Adetokunbo; December 6, 1994) is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Okay well pause on Eric Woodier, ESPN. As a tribute to the story, Mauricio created a mural that reflected the spirit of Giannis journey and encouraged people to strive for greatness. Convert your audio or video into 99% accurate text by a professional. Hey Giannis. Glad they didnt turn the lights out on you so I can ask this question. So mentally I was just trying to stay ready. This guy doesn't really know how hard he pushed me. Translated on-screen subtitles for videos. Im curious with this layoff as long as its been, how much or how little have you been able to get a feel from teammates? Antetokounmpo's country of origin, in addition to his size, speed, strength, and ball-handling skills have earned him the nickname "Greek Freak".Antetokounmpo is widely regarded as one of the greatest power . And as I said tried to get ready for Orlando. All Rights Reserved. Hey Giannis hows it going? Obviously I think like once we get to Orlando the level of basketball a lot of guys are going to go full speed because a lot of players miss basketball. Extend your content reach and maximize your engagement rates. Lori Nickel: (03:43) 5990 S. Val Vista Dr.Chandler, AZ 85249Phone: 480-224-2100, Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Brothers: How Support From His Siblings Helped Shape His Success, LeBron James Absence Makes A Big Difference: Houston Rockets Vs Los Angeles Lakers. They played hard every fricking game. The Milwaukee Bucks forward was named the NBAs MVP for the 2018-19 season at the ceremony, held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (00:27) 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Next question, Eric Naim from The Athletic. Lance Allen: (17:18) The speech ended with Antetokounmpo addressing the one thing he did not accomplish this season. In his speech, he thanked his family for supporting him and his teammates for pushing him to be the best player he could be. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (16:43) His remarkable combination of athleticism and skill overwhelmed the Suns, but before the series began, it wasn't even clear that he would be able to play. While accepting the MVP at the NBA Awards, Antetokounmpo let the tears flow as he recounted all the people who helped get him to this point. You talked about flipping the switch a little bit and competing for a title, but you also honestly talked about Mariah and Liam and probably not seeing them for most if not the entire run. Obviously when you go against somebody you dont want to live with him, you dont see him every day. My goal is to win a championship and we are going to do whatever it takes to make that happen." On Tuesday, he silenced the doubters and won his first NBA championship. Our families are not allowed to be in the campus for the first few weeks. There are no counters. Good to see you. Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 50 points during the Bucks Game 6 clincher in front of the home fans. Giannis Antetokounmpos 2019 MVP speech was an inspiring moment for basketball fans everywhere. I think I've had people throughout my life that helped me with that. That's not setting no expectation. The Greek Freak delivered perhaps the best performance of his career at the best possible moment and now can add an NBA Finals MVP award to his two regular-season MVP trophies. And now that you are, how do you feel about that with so much going on in the country and in the world? | 26 3PM | 139 Magic 117 | 3.1.23, Khris Middleton Press Conference | 2.28.23, Giannis Antetokounmpo Press Conference | 2.28.23, He's Baaack! Giannis Antetokounmpo: (04:49) First he blocked Deandre Aytons dunk attemptto prevent Phoenix from tying Game 4 with just over a minute left. Can you hear me? Whats going through your mind as you get ready for this experience? Please check the opt-in box to acknowledge that you would like to subscribe. Create a better, more engaging experience for every student. Transcribe Your Own Content All-Access: Jae's Debut and Bobby's Back! Next question will be from Malika Andrews with ESPN. I did this in the past. Is Luka Doncics Health At Risk? This is where ego and pride -- those nagging feelings that Antetokounmpo so eloquently described in Friday's soliloquy -- could have crept up on the two-time MVP. MVP! Giannis Antetokounmpo is your 2019 NBA MVP, and the Milwaukee Bucks superstar found a way to endear himself even more to the basketball world with an emotional speech worthy of his play on the court. ", Life lessons with @Giannis_An34. You know obviously everybody we know that were going to go down [inaudible 00:04:05] everybodys concerned about how safe its going to be. What does this title do for whoever comes out on top of this with everything they have to go through? And whoever plays the best because at the end of the day teams got to be in shape. Im curious you have a newborn son at home, you went out of your way to participate in marches, supporting the black lives matter movement in Milwaukee. So once we start playing again I think were going to be just fine. He wasn't great in Game 1, scoring only 20 points in a loss, but he erased any doubt about his health with back-to-back 40-point performances in Games 2 and 3. The ball was batted into the air, and Giannis could have easily secured it with two hands. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (19:01) He came into Game 5 averaging 3.6 screen assists per game in the playoffs, up from 2.8 in the regular season, according to NBA.com. His rapid recovery to lead Milwaukee to it first title since 1971 represents the crowning achievement in Antetokounmpkos remarkable rise to NBA stardom. He hopes his art will encourage the next generation of artists to create their own pieces of art. The 24-year-old center, who was taken with the 15th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, edged out James Harden and Paul George to win his first MVP award of his brief career. Giannis just did it.#MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/kGPhq5O67m, KENNat be Borrow One (@KENNdyMann) June 25, 2019, @Giannis_An34 MVP from nothing to GREATNESS #inspirational Rags to riches, Mr.Marcelin (@marcelin_mr) June 25, 2019, I just cried my eyes out I dont even care, I love you @Giannis_An34 #MVP, Keith Henschel Jr (@TheRealKeithJr) June 25, 2019, Jackson Didlake (@diidlake) June 25, 2019, Congrats Giannis!!! This is Antetokounmpo's second in a row. How do you guys say here in America? Im going to do whatever it takes to help my team win and Im going to win MVP. So yeah, I dont know what to expect when I get there, but at the end of the day I want to play basketball. He acknowledged getting too caught up in the emotional swings of each win and loss earlier in his career. Giannis Antetokounmpo: (12:04) Thank you, Greg. So Im extremely blessed that I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with my son and obviously going to Orlando is going to be really tough for everybody because were not going to be able to see our family for a few weeks. His rare blend of size and athleticism made him the No. by Josef Castillo | Feb 13, 2023 | Famous Players. I had the opportunity to get done stronger, but weve been in the gym for a couple of weeks now. Just you as a person are you more concerned? I did the best job I could do and tried to stay ready and try to have my team ready for this new journey that we are about to go and leave and play games. "I want to thank Milwaukee for believing in me," he said. How are we going to play games? Giannis Antetokounmpo: (03:02) So weve got to be prepared for that because I dont know if Like we play, like we travel so much, but even on the road you can bring your family. So its kind of weird, youre not as close to your teammate as you would want to be. Antetokounmpo est galement rejoint en proprit par ses frres Thanasis, Kostas et Alex, qui jouent tous au basket professionnel dans le monde entier. But as I said theyre ready for this journey and as a leader Im going to try to make it as easy as possible for them. How much consideration did you give to not playing, not going to Orlando? #MambaMentality https://t.co/dhZTFI1Aam, Kobe Bryant wrote on Twitter, "My man.M.V.P. Jun 24, 2022 Before he was an MVP and an NBA champion, Giannis Antetokounmpo was a raw, skinny, largely unknown prospect, dismissed by half the league until the Bucks made him the 15th pick. The heartfelt embrace shared by Giannis and his family was a heartwarming reminder of how much we can all achieve when we have the support of those closest to us. Giannis great to see you. That making up in some way, working with the NBA to make up that advantage, whatever that could be? But I thats got to start with the organization, the MBA. According to the former New York Knicks All-Star, Milwaukee Bucks star Monta Ellis probably would have struggled in his era. Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about his future after winning the MVP award during his MVP speech. My team is excited. I want to thank my dad. One, Im just curious what now your workouts are able to look like, what are you able to do? Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo capped off an incredible year by being named MVP of the 2018-19 NBA season during the league's awards show on Monday night. NBA.com is part of Warner Media, LLCs Turner Sports & Entertainment Digital Network, *Translations are limited to select pages, Stats & facts to know from Bucks' title run, Finals MVP Ladder: Giannis realizes his dream, Giannis leads Bucks to first title in 50 years, NBA Twitter reacts to Bucks winning title, 5 stats to know for 76ers-Bucks matchup on ABC, Brooks suspended after receiving 16th technical foul, Grizzlies' Clarke (torn achilles) out indefinitely, Ja issues apology, will miss 'at least' 2 games, Ex-NBA player Morrow facing assault charges, Durant passes 'Big O' for 13th in career points. ", I asked @Giannis_An34 how Kobe motivated him with that MVP tweet said It sparked the flame. Under Title 17 U.S.C. Nobody wants to put themselves in the risk out there. And also, do you feel like perhaps you guys have lost a little momentum now that its been a few months since youve played together now going back and resuming the season? The Grizzlies say their star guard will be away from the team for 'at least' the next 2 games. Mauricio wants to bring people together and remind them that art and creativity are two powerful forces that bring people together. You are my true hero.. The Controversy Surrounding LeBron Jamess Instruction To His Mother During A Post-Game Press Conference: An Analysis, The Phenomenal Polyglot: Uncovering LeBron James Multilingualism, Uncovering The Remarkable PPG Of Lebron James: Exploring His Incomparable Offensive Prowess, The King Of The Court: An Ode To LeBron James And His Record-Breaking Career, The Phenomenal LeBron James Matt: 35 Years Of Inspiration And Success. Giannis Antetokounmpo was crowned NBA Finals MVP after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship since 1971 in a six-game series win over the Phoenix Suns. I agree to receive the "CBS Sports HQ Newsletter" and marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers), and other information from CBS Sports and the Paramount family of companies. Industry-leading accurate legal transcription to ensure you dont miss a statement. She always saw the future in us, she always believed in us, she was always there for us. What a journey its been for Giannis pic.twitter.com/GIYg8jcPat, Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 25, 2019, MVP! Every day that I step on the floor I always think of my dad and that motivates me and pushes me to play harder and move forward.. Next up: Championship. Well have time for two more questions. So its not something that I havent done before. Or how have you kind of helped teammates through that whole idea of whether or not we should play or not play? All-Access: Team Giannis Wins the 2023 All-Star Game! Eric Naim: (02:54) Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo capped off an incredible year by being named MVP of the 2018-19 NBA season during the league's award show on Monday night. Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma. With all of our behaviors have changed here over the last several months, and weve been told to socially distance and steer clear of one another. Not being able to see your family, be there for three months playing games with no fans. He stayed more level-headed this year while also emerging as a more vocal leader. That will negate his lack of shooting ability. All right. The result marks the end of Greeces hopes for a European championship, as Germany capitalizes on its advantage as the host country. But I cant worry about that. Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo is making headlines for the emotional speech he made at the NBA Awards on Monday night. What were you concerned about and what were you reassured with whatever answers you got? Do you feel like its made things a little bit harder kind of set you back a little bit? at At the 2019 NBA Awards, Giannis Antetokounmpo takes home the honor for MVP and was emotional during his speech when he thanked the Milwaukee Bucks for taking a chance and believing in him.. Going to a hotel, stay there for not two weeks, three weeks. No part of this website may be reproduced without the express consent of TalkBasket.net, Giannis Antetokounmpo talked about his future at MVP speech, Giannis on his agents: I know theyre gonna put me in the best situation With the team or another team, Shannon Sharpe: LeBron James & Lakers wont make the mistake of underestimating Nuggets. She is my hero," Antetokounmpo said. Basketball star Giannis Antetokounmpo took part in a press conference today where he talked about the NBA season restart, saying this will be the toughest championship to win due to not being able to see family and not being able to have fans. But Im just going to try to mind my business and be about myself try to self improve myself mentally and physically and just get ready for games. We have unbelievable fans that support us every night and Im not being able to have them out there I think its going to hurt a little bit. In addition to his teammates, Antetokounmpo thanked the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff, ownership team and his agents. Antetokounmpo kept his faith in the Bucks by signing a supermax extension in December. Antetokounmpo picked up his scoring in the second half, putting up 20 of his 32 points, but he didn't stop playing team basketball. So its easy, its not going to be hard I think. Giannis rags-to-riches story inspired him, as did his determination and perseverance. Middleton as a third piece will be great because they will not need him to create his own shot. Yes he made me cry!!! Antetokounmpo couldn't have done this without his favorite teammate, and with Middleton's help, he became the 2021 Finals MVP. Giannis had only two field goal attempts in the second quarter as the Bucks racked up 43 points and turned a 16-point first-quarter deficit into a three-point halftime lead. "We've got to keep playing good basketball. Just quickly, is that important to you? Phoenix, which had trailed by as many as 14 points, had cut the deficit to one and Devin Booker had a chance to take the lead with around 20 seconds remaining. Watch how he clobbers Mikal Bridges on this screen, freeing up Middleton to hit a baseline fadeaway over Deandre Ayton. And just a quick follow up, you dont have concerns about thereve been some young people whove had some lung issues longterm. Obviously, as I said everybody has concern about the health. How do you balance all the things that are going on yet flip that competitive switch? And my personal goal is to win the championship and I got to be ready for no matter what they throw in our face or in our table I got to be ready for that. Yeah the opportunity to spend time with our families. I want to thank my dad, Antetokounmpo said. Giannis speech captured the hearts of people around the world, and set an example of hard work, determination, and dedication that will be remembered for years to come. Milwaukee Bucks big man Giannis Antetokounmpo capped off an incredible year by being named MVP of the 2018-19 NBA season during the leagues award show on Monday night. He could have suckled his ego with thoughts about the past: "I'm averaging 32 points and 14 rebounds in my first Finals. This guy doesnt really know how much he pushed me. Giannis shouts out Middleton after winning Finals MVP.