Giannis Antetokounmpo: “Don’t call me MVP until I’m a champion” -

Giannis Antetokounmpo is just the third person in NBA history to win Defensive Player of the Year and MVP in the same season and, looking back, it’s impossible to say he wasn’t deserving of either.

Giannis dominated the entire season, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the NBA as he averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1 block per game on 55% shooting.

pic.twitter.com/SHlLxYLvUK

— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) September 18, 2020

Giannis is the third player in league history to win multiple MVP awards by age 25, joining the elite company of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and LeBron James.

“What Giannis does for our team on both ends of the court, every night is extraordinary,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said in a statement.

“As a teammate, he sets the bar for all of us through his incredible work ethic, his unselfishness and his drive to be the best. He impacts all of us as a player and a person, and we’re proud to congratulate him once again on being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.”

Unfortunately, Giannis and Bucks it was unable to win when he needed them most and they find themselves home instead of fighting for the NBA Championship after losing to Miami Heat in the second round of ECF.

"I'm extremely proud of what you have accomplished, but we're not done yet."

2019-20 #KiaMVP @Giannis_An34 on what his younger self would say about all he's accomplished thus far. pic.twitter.com/jG2IrYofFt

— NBA (@NBA) September 18, 2020

In an interview with Ernie Johnson of TNT, Giannis talked a bit about the award, but also about his team’s playoff shortcomings.

“Don’t call me MVP until I’m a champion,” he said.

“I’m happy for this award but I want more. You can never take these moments for granted. Obviously I’m disappointed in not being able to help my team get to the third round, but at the end of the day I know I have to get better, get my team to improve.”

Giannis seems to have the right mentality about it. As good to be crowned the MVP for the second-straight year, Antetokounmpo is more determined to win the NBA champions.

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