As it all came down to one in Las Vegas, the Milwaukee Bucks clinched the second NBA Cup. The Finals, although poised to be a battle ended up being a landslide victory. For each of the Bucks, that meant a $514,971 reward. That might motivate any other player, but not Giannis Antetokounmpo. Prior to the Finals, he revealed his focus remains on leaving behind a glistening legacy. Still, he did address how significant the amount can be.

“It’s life-changing money, okay. Obviously $500K, you can put a down payment on a house,” he told the media. The Greek Freak though was doing some foreshadowing during these statements. After winning the NBA Cup, the two-time MVP’s statement to the reporters defines who Antetokounmpo is as a person. He is someone who played like an MVP to ensure his teammates and staff enjoy the reward in those life-turning ways.

One such player is Liam Robbins, a two-way contract player for the Bucks. Antetokounmpo told the media “We had this joke with the team about a two-way uy Liam that I promised him from the first cup game. I promised him we are to go all the way and you’re going to get your house in Iowa. So after that every game I’m like ‘Hey, one step closer to your house in Iowa’,”. After winning, Antetokounmpo enjoyed the smiles that took over the locker room. And for Robbins, who earns under $600,000 from his contract, the NBA Cup holds greater significance.

The Bucks’ win tonight helped him earn an additional $257,485.50, enough for putting a down payment on a house. And while not solely responsible, Giannis Antetokounmpo set the tempo for the teammates to follow. His courageous display played the role of a perfect ignition for the team. That didn’t change tonight either.

Two crowns for one Giannis Antetokounmpo

Last year, the Greek Freak played with the same intensity during the NBA Cup. However, Milwaukee fell short against the Indiana Pacers. This season, the accumulation of vengeance and the need for success all fired Giannis Antetokounmpo up even more. Until the NBA Cup Final, he shot a historic 70% from the floor.

He was the leading scorer of the tournament and tonight had to come up against the tightest NBA defense in the Oklahoma City Thunder. However, the Greek forward tends to elevate his game in these high-pressure scenarios. That remained the standard. Instead of exploding for points, Antetokounmpo delivered a triple-double for the Bucks.

His 26 points damaged the Thunder’s interior defense and with then his 10 assists set up his teammates to continue the onslaught. In the end, the Bucks won by 18, limiting a thriving OKC offense to just 81 points. The Greek Freak became the second MVP of the NBA Cup, another accomplishment for his colorful resume.

Still, the Bucks didn’t want the success to get to their heads. While it does greatly benefit the team, Rivers and Darvin Ham decided there would be no champagne showers. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are eyeing the NBA championship. Until that aim is achieved, it seems the team doesn’t want any deterrents in their way.

Regardless, the Bucks will look to enjoy the sensation of lifting the NBA Cup this season. And just like it’s been over the past few seasons, it started and ended with a Giannis Antetokounmpo show stealer.