Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Heat last night. However, despite the loss, the Bucks star was adamant that the season was ‘not a failure’. His comments have since been backed by chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov.
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The Milwaukee Bucks’ season came to a close last night. A 128-126 OT loss to Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat send the franchise crashing out of the Playoffs. This of course led to many questions being asked of Antetokounmpo. One in particular that stands out is whether or not the season was a failure.
This question of course came close to prompting an adverse reaction from the Greek Freak. But, fortunately, he kept his emotions in check, defending the Bucks’ season.
However, there has been a mixed reception to his response. Garry Kasparov, though, understands Giannis’ position and commended him for it, challenging him to use this loss to rise higher.
Chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov shows support for Giannis Antetokounmpo amidst a tough loss
Following last night’s loss to the Miami Heat, Giannis Antetokounmpo was put in the hot seat for the Milwaukee Bucks. The former two-time MVP was the recipient of several questions during the post-game press conference. But, it was clear to see that he did not want to be there.
Understandable considering the impact of the loss. After all, they were the first seed in the East and had the best record in the league. Losing in the first round should have never been an option. So, when asked if the season was a failure, the Greek Freak became quite prickly.
Giannis started a monologue, one that involved him defending the Bucks as well as grilling the reporter who had asked the question. And, since delivering it, he has received much criticism. However, chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov has taken to Twitter to show his support, admiring him for his “nuanced” response, and even challenging him to improve.
To get to the top you only have to want to win. To stay on top you have to hate to lose even more. @Giannis_An34 is a champion & gave a nuanced response in a painful moment. Respect. At the end of the day, sport is about winning or losing & he must use this loss to rise higher. https://t.co/hq4NSaEwCb
— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) April 27, 2023
Some sage advice from Kasparov. Although he was heated, Antetokounmpo did retain some degree of composure. Although, his decision to compare himself to Michael Jordan was interesting, to say the least.
Giannis brought up Michael Jordan in his defense of the Bucks’ season
It was clear to see that Giannis Antetokounmpo was passionate in his defense of the Milwaukee Bucks. While maintaining that the season was not a failure, the 2021 NBA Champion used an analogy revolving around Michael Jordan. To be specific, he posed a question, asking the reporter if the nine seasons in which MJ won nothing were failures.
It definitely is a viable argument from the Greek Freak. But, it’s one that will certainly ruffle a few feathers, especially the die-hard Jordan fans.
