‘Had Our Backs’: Bucks’ Pat Connaughton Reflects on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Growth as a Leader

The Milwaukee Bucks celebrated winning their first NBA title after 50 years. They defeated the Phoenix Suns 4 times in a row to come back from being down 0-2 yet again. In addition, Giannis Antetokounmpo received the honors of Finals MVP for his dominating performance throughout the finals.

Giannis took over in the series clincher going off for a record 50 points. Surprisingly, the ‘Greek Freak’ was near perfect from the free-throw line on the night. However, he didn’t just shine on the offensive end and also ended the game with 5 blocked shots as well.

Bucks’ teammate, Pat Connaughton, was on the Dan Patrick Show and he spoke about the growth of Giannis Antetokounmpo as a leader. He also spoke about Giannis’ work ethic and the behind-the-scenes part that people can’t see.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown as a leader

Pat Connaughton said that Giannis has grown tremendously from a vocal standpoint. He says that everyone knows about his physical work ethic, but through these playoffs, he became a much more vocal leader for the Bucks especially, when Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a knee injury against the Hawks. Connaughton said:

“And then it was just watching his growth as a leader. He has obviously the physical work ethic that I would see on a daily basis, but the vocal leadership that he’s grown into. That type of role he’s grown into, to where, when he got hurt and he was out for those last 2 games in Atlanta, he was still present on the bench. He was still being vocal both, individually and collectively, to the team, to teammates. And implore them on the sides to give them the confidence to understand that he was here, he had out backs even though he wasn’t out there and it as on us to make sure we had his.”

Notably, Giannis tried to cheer and bring energy into his teammates when they were down in Game 2 of the Finals. Antetokounmpo’s physical capabilities were visible, but his role on the sidelines is what matters most to a team. Giannis Antetokounmpo learned how to trust his teammates and involve them in the game rather than go on a solo run and do it all by himself.

As much as Giannis helped this team to a title, his teammates helped him become a leader. They shared the same hunger and fight as the Greek Freak. Giannis could relate with his teammates as they shared the same end goal, and that paid off.

Pat Connaughton’s contributions

Connaughton played a huge part in the NBA finals. He made the second most three-pointers in the entire NBA finals with 15, behind teammate Khris Middleton. His defense on Devin Booker was crucial to the Bucks’ success.

Pat is also very vocal throughout the games. He cheers up his teammates, brings the fire in them to go out and compete. Connaughton is constantly on the sidelines talking to his teammates and being there for them in any way possible.

He played a very important role off the bench along with Bobby Portis in the Bucks’ championship triumph. He averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds coming off the bench in the Finals. Pat’s offensive rebounds were also crucial. Connaughton out-rebounded Suns’ center, DeAndre Ayton in Game 6 of the NBA finals.

His rebounding and shooting threat gave the Bucks the required edge that they needed to get past the Phoenix Suns. Now he and Giannis Antetokounmpo are both NBA champions!

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