Giannis was the unanimous choice for Finals MVP, with monster numbers of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks. He practically did everything for the Bucks, as he also outplayed Phoenix Suns big man Deandre Ayton. The 22-year-old Ayton looked flustered in the last three games, as he had no answer for Giannis’ bullying his way to the cup.
Xem Video: Giannis Breaks Down One Of The Best Blocks In NBA Finals History
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But despite getting embarrassed by Giannis in the series, Ayton took it all in stride. While it’s clear he failed to stop the two-time MVP, he didn’t sound bitter talking about their matchup (via Bright Side of the Sun).
“I mean, it was fun. Just like any other matchup that I faced. I think I seen—this is the most time I’ve ever seen Giannis, but, yeah, man, it was fun. I love competing, I love the challenges, man, but I just wish I could win. But at the same time, it was fun, I learned a lot. Just with consistency when it comes to this thing called competing, you can’t really have any mishaps at this high level.”
Ayton also shared what he learned in facing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.
“I tip my hat off to Milwaukee, because everybody that checked in, even if they didn’t check in, they wanted to die on that court. And that’s what I felt. That’s what it takes. Everybody got to give it their all when it comes to this, especially when it’s last game.”