Winning Game 7 will have a lasting impact on Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious

Muhammad Ali once said that the “Thrilla in Manila” was the closest he’d ever come to death in a boxing ring. Indeed, after the fight, he laid in his room with an IV in his arm trying to recuperate. Normally known for his entertaining post-fight interviews, Ali would not speak to the media until a few days after the fight. Although he took a beating at the hands of Joe Frazier that night, he will forever be remembered as the winner. It was Frazier’s corner that threw in the towel before the start of the fifteenth round, not Ali’s.

When fans and reporters look back at the 2021 season, the second-round matchup between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks will undoubtedly be one of the most fondly remembered moments. However, it was Milwaukee who came out on top; eventually, that will be all anyone remembers. The narrative will not focus on Brooklyn’s untimely injuries or Kevin Durant’s scoring exploits. The story that will be told is of the underdog team from a small market beating the team from B-Kay with championship aspirations.

Giannis Antetokounmpo just enjoyed the first of what will undoubtedly be many marquee moments in his career. If there were ever any doubts as to whether or not he is a superstar, let them forever be put to rest. The Greek Freak is not just a star; he’s a player capable of leading a team to big playoff road victories with the odds stacked against them. That’s all anyone will remember and that’s the way it should be. To the victor go the spoils.