Giannis Antetokounmpo Trusts Khris Middleton with Crucial Shot in Game 6

Giannis Antetokounmpo gave Khris Middleton the ball in a crucial timeout in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals, leading to a clutch 15-foot jumper that extended the Bucks' lead to six points with under five minutes remaining.

What happened?

On July 20, 2021, at Fiserv Forum, Giannis Antetokounmpo recounted a story about a timeout in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals. The Bucks were up 94-90 with 4 minutes 50 seconds to go in the game, and head coach Mike Budenholzer called a timeout to draw up a play. Antetokounmpo was given the ball in the elbow to fake and go one on one, but he refused, insisting that the ball be given to Khris Middleton.

Why it matters for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The trust between Antetokounmpo and Middleton was unquestioned, and it set up Middleton's final clutch basket of the NBA Finals. Antetokounmpo's decision to give the ball to Middleton was a testament to their partnership and the confidence he had in his teammate's abilities.

What comes next?

Out of the timeout, Antetokounmpo did have the ball on the wing, at the 3-point line, with Jae Crowder defending. Middleton was just inside the Bucks' logo, with Phoenix's Devin Booker on him. Antetokounmpo flipped the ball back to his running mate with 11 seconds left on the shot clock. Antetokounmpo moved toward Booker, ready to clear out the Suns guard with a solid screen. Booker's head turned to catch a glimpse of the looming 7-footer, and Middleton took that half beat to reject the screen and drive left to an open space for a buttery 15-foot jumper that gave the Bucks a six-point lead with 4:35 to go.

The trust between Antetokounmpo and Middleton was a key factor in the Bucks' championship win. Their partnership on the court was a key reason for the team's success, and Antetokounmpo's decision to give the ball to Middleton in that crucial timeout was a testament to their bond.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's leadership and trust in his teammates were instrumental in the Bucks' championship win. His decision to give the ball to Middleton in that crucial timeout was a key moment in the game, and it ultimately led to the Bucks' victory.

The Bucks' championship win was a result of the team's hard work and dedication. Giannis Antetokounmpo's trust in his teammates, including Khris Middleton, was a key factor in their success. The team's partnership and chemistry on the court were a key reason for their championship win.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's leadership and trust in his teammates were instrumental in the Bucks' championship win. His decision to give the ball to Middleton in that crucial timeout was a key moment in the game, and it ultimately led to the Bucks' victory.