” Heart of a Champion. Mamba Mentality”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Finally Opens Up on Playing a Career Threatening Injury During NBA Finals, Leaves NBA Twitter Going Gaga

The Milwaukee Bucks won their second NBA championship in July 2021. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had led his team versus the Phoenix Suns, was crowned the Finals MVP. The Greek Freak averaged 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5 assists in the finals, including a 50 bomb in Game 6.

Though what happened behind the scenes seems more concerning than his performance. Recently, the two-time MVP opened up about an injury that occurred during the Finals and could?ve ended Giannis? career.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was one step away from ending his career

In an interview with The Athletic, Giannis explains what happened in the Finals series. In Game 1, Giannis stepped on Jae Crowder?s foot and had his knee hyperextended.?

?What basically happened is that if my leg had hyperextended one more time? I was done.?, said Giannis.?

When Giannis told the staff about his injury, they specially made a brace for him. Such braces are worn by players like Goran Dragic. Hall of Famer Tim Duncan also wore these braces. But, the Greek Freak completely refused to wear it.?

?Hell. No. I?m not wearing that sh**.?, says Giannis.

When asked why he refused to wear protective gear, Giannis? response was shocking.

Antetokounmpo mentions his parents’ struggles when he was a kid. He said that his parents worked hard and never complained.?

?They didn?t feel pain. They didn?t complain.?, Giannis said. Antetokounmpo says that wearing the brace that day wouldn?t have sat right with his mentality.?

READ MORE: How Giannis Antetokounmpo Can Pressurise the Bucks to Get the Best Possible Contract

?Why would I say I?m in pain? That?s how I?m raised. That?s how I?m built.?

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Mamba Mentality

This just shows how tough Giannis is mentally. Number 34 still suited up after his injury and dropped 50 points in closing Game 6 of the Finals. Guarding one of the best guards in league history, one wrong step could?ve resulted in a serious injury and the Greek Freak would?ve been out for a long time.?

WATCH THIS STORY: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Who Sent Kevin Durant?s Nets Home in the Playoffs Last Season, Gets Told He ?Ain?t KD?

This news had the fans on Twitter respect Giannis? performance, his mentality, and his determination.?

https://twitter.com/Andrewl3loom/status/1506124240914980872?s=20&t=UYjR1o5_wD2KWEFFdnDmNQ

https://twitter.com/sixandzero23/status/1506015665752141826?s=20&t=ly-7Bafj8nTPSIy_1xlOFA

https://twitter.com/BobbyPOTUS/status/1505954839511060483?s=20&t=ly-7Bafj8nTPSIy_1xlOFA

With a tough and strong mindset, do you think Giannis can lead the Bucks to yet another championship this season? Do let us know in the comments.