NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4

NBA Finals: 3 takeaways from Suns-Bucks Game 4 – No. 3: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s iconic block heard around the world

With just over a minute left as the Milwaukee Bucks were leading 101-99, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered one of the greatest moments in the history of the NBA Finals by recovering defensively for an electrifying, legendary block on a lob to Deandre Ayton.

It initiated with Ayton handing the ball off to Devin Booker at the top of the key and then rolling toward the basket. Antetokounmpo was defending Ayton to start but shifted to help contain Booker upon receiving the ball. It seemed like Giannis pushed too high, leaving Ayton open for an easy slam, so Booker attempted to throw him an alley-oop. Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo used all of his length and freakish strides to recover in time and meet Ayton at the rim to reject the shot at full stretch and make a game-winning play.

It was arguably the greatest block in NBA Finals history. It’s certainly up there with the best of the best, although most would favor LeBron James’ defining chase-down block in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals at the top of the list given the circumstances.

Either way, this moment will be enshrined in the greatest postseason plays of all time and eternally remembered all around the world. According to NBA Communications, Antetokounmpo’s block generated 24 million views across social media, the most-viewed social video of the NBA Finals to date.

It was truly a special play by a special player on a special stage. By making this game-sealing rejection to cap off his 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, three steals, and two blocks in Game 4, Giannis Antetokounmpo can add another legacy-defining moment to his astonishing career.