Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks fans celebrate Thanasis after NBA Cup championship

Posted by author December 18, 2024 NBA

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Was there any doubt that the Milwaukee Bucks weren’t going to win the NBA Cup last night in Las Vegas?

Thanasis Antetokounmpo was there, after all.

He’s been the Bucks’ good-luck charm, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s hype-man and the team’s biggest fan this season from his courtside seats at Fiserv Forum in recent weeks. And that carried over into the Bucks’ semifinal game and the final of the NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena.

The Bucks actually haven’t lost a game in which Thanasis has been in attendance.

That didn’t change when the setting changed to Vegas as the Bucks cruised to the NBA Cup title with their 97-81 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Milwaukee had been struggling mightily early in the season as they were 2-8. What did they need? Apparently the presence of Thanasis, who until this season had been a member of the roster for the previous five years.

With Thanasis recovering from a torn Achilles, the Bucks did not re-sign him in the offseason as a free agent. Thanasis wants to return to the NBA court when healthy, but for now being Giannis’ No. 1 supporter is the next, best option.

And Giannis couldn’t ask for anything better. That’s why after Antetokounmpo posted a triple double (26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists) on his way to NBA Cup MVP honors, the first person he went to celebrate with was his older brother on the court.

They shared a big hug in a wholesome moment.

“From where we started to where we are I’m extremely happy, proud of the journey, I don’t take no moment for granted,” Antetokounmpo said during the post-game press conference. “I just had to address my brother, celebrate him. He’s been supporting me since Day 1, not just in my basketball career, just as a brother he’s always been there for me.

“In all the high pressure moments, all the tough, difficult moments he’s always there for me no matter the outcome. I have to address my brother. I love him to death.”

Giannis and Thanasis didn’t get to celebrate the 2021 NBA Finals together. COVID ruined that.

Thanasis couldn’t be in the building after his positive test days earlier. Giannis went on Instagram Live from the locker room instead with Thanasis.

Three years later, the Bucks won another championship — yes, it’s not the NBA Finals — but it’s still a title. And this time, Giannis had his brother with him.