Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'This year, I feel very excited to go out on the court' / News - Basketnews.com

Following his 41-point performance against Ukraine, Giannis Antetokounmpo weighed in on his historical achievement and Greece's 4-0 run in the EuroBasket's first round in Milan.

Credit: FIBA Credit FIBA

Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 41 points on Ukraine, becoming only the second player in the 21st century to score more than 40 points in a EuroBasket game after Dirk Nowitzki's 43 points against Spain in 2001.

Player of the Game EFF 42 Giannis Antetokounmpo Points 41 Accuracy 13-18 Rebounds 9 Assists 2

Ironically, Nowitzki held a press conference on Monday, talking -among other topics- about Giannis.

But Giannis is also the third Greek player ever to have scored more than 40 points in a EuroBasket game, after Giorgos Kolokithas in 1967 and Nikos Galis, who did it five times, most notably in the 1989 EuroBasket semi-final (45) vs. the Soviet Union.

After the game (99-79 for Greece), the Milwaukee Bucks superstar appeared before the media in the postgame presser. It was the first time Giannis attended any media-related activity (mixed zone, press conference or TV interview) while in Milan.

"My team played a great game. We didn't have a lot of energy in the beginning. At the end of the day, we regrouped and defended well," the 28-year-old forward said initially.

"I think my teammates did a good job, being focused and getting as many stops as possible. If we move the ball well, we're going to be as good as anybody."

Asked about his miraculous performance, which included 13 straight points in the third quarter, Antetokounmpo said he doesn't try to rate his achievements.

"I focus on what I can control. I try to create art; every game is a new experience for me, But I'll say this is one of the years that I feel very excited to go out on the court and play with my teammates.

I don't know if that's because I hadn't played for a long time, since 2019, or because of the way coach Itoudis motivates me. I'm excited to step out on the court every time," he said.

Giannis' career-high with Greece was witnessed by several Milwaukee Bucks reps. Khris Middleton is in Milan with Bucks owner Marc Lasry, SVP Alex Lasry, general manager Jon Horst and assistant general manager Milt Newton.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Position:PF, SFAge:27Height:211 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Athens, GreeceProfileNewsStatistics

"I saw them once, but I zoomed out and focused on the game," Giannis revealed.

"They've seen me many times and know what I'm capable of. I tried to focus on the team so that we build good habits, whether things are going well or not."

With Greece being down by seven (39-46) at half-time, it looked like the team coached by Dimitris Itoudis had its back against the wall, for the first time in this first stage. The Greek tactician revealed in the presser that he told his players some things that changed their mindset. But Giannis wasn't willing to share them with the media, especially with Itoudis seated next to him.

"I try to keep it to the team,' he responded.

"If the coach wants to share what happened in the locker room, he can share it. We had to go out there and respond. We did it against Turkey, Georgia, and Great Britain. When things are not going well, we showed that we could respond. That's what the coach wanted us to do."

As Giannis' brothers, Thanasis and Kostas, are already on the 12-man squad for EuroBasket, the Antertokounbros' story could soon be enriched if another family member, Alex, joins the team.

"It's an unbelievable experience. Sometimes, when you create history, you don't realize it. Looking back 15 years from now, we can say, 'Wow, we can share and feel the same story!' That's unique," Giannis refelcted.

"I know Alex is extremely proud of us and hopefully, he can join this team and help it be great," he added.

The Italian media asked Giannis about the host team of Group C. The 'Greek Freak' praised Italy, calling it an "unbelievable team, with a lot of talent."

"Gallinari, Belinelli are not playing. The love that we feel from Italian fans has been unbelievable. It's been a fan tournament to be a part of," he pointed out.

In the only question he took in Greek, he was asked to share a message with the Greek fans who're looking forward to watching the team go all the way in Berlin.

Credit FIBA Media

"I don't know where he can get to," Giannis said.

"Day by day, we try to get better. Sometimes we can relax and think we're the best. I have been on the 2014 team, when we lost easily in the first knockout game (to Serbia).

We've created a lot of good things, but what's going to happen in knockouts, nobody knows. I don't our guys to get cocky. These 11 guys give it their all on the court. No one has signed a contract with victory.

We have to play a good match against Estonia. Kostas Angtetokounmpo has come back and we have to be good. We thank the fans back home because we feel their support, Giannis concluded.

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