WATCH: Giannis says Kobe motivated him in NBA MVP triumph

Rappler.com

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

WATCH: Giannis says Kobe motivated him in NBA MVP triumph
Giannis Antetokounmpo emerges as the new NBA MVP, completing a challenge issued by Kobe Bryant in 2017

MANILA, Philippines – From one Most Valuable Player to another.

Giannis Antetokounmpo admitted Kobe Bryant played a critical role in motivating him on his way to capturing his maiden NBA MVP award and becoming the first Greek player to achieve the feat. 

In 2017, Bryant – a five-time champion and a one-time season MVP – dared Antetokounmpo to win the highest individual honor in the NBA.


Antetokounmpo completed that challenge two years later, leading the Milwauke Bucks to an NBA-best 60-22 record while averaging 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals. 

He dethroned James Harden of the Houston Rockets and bested Paul George of the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

“Kobe saying that I can be the MVP of this league, that should be my goal, that definitely motivated me and wanted to make me a better player,” Antetokounmpo said. 

“I think my motivation came, you know, after my dad passed away and after the support system that I had with my family. But definitely Kobe, he’s the one that started the flame, definitely.” 

With Antetokounmpo ticking off an important milestone in his bucket list, Bryant issued another challenge. (READ: A global game: International players dominate NBA Awards 2019)


Rappler.com 

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!