Giannis Antetokounmpo
Photo: Twitter/NBA

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo talked on his ability to focus in the moment during the NBA Finals and how this connects to humility.

That’s what Giannis said prior to Game 5 of the 2021 NBA Finals between the Bucks and the Suns:

(via USA Today Sports)

“I did this, ‘I’m so great. I had 30, I had 25-10-10,’ whatever the case might be, you’re going to think about that,” Antetokounmpo said. “Usually the next day you’re going to suck, you know? Simple as that. The next few days you’re going to be terrible. I figured out a mindset to have that when you focus on the past, that’s your ego.”

“When I focus on the future, it’s my pride,” he continued. ‘”Yeah, next game, Game 5, I do this and this and this. I’m going to dominate.’ That’s your pride talking. It doesn’t happen.”

“I try to focus on the moment, in the present. That’s humility. That’s being humble,” he said. “That’s not setting no expectation. That’s going out there, enjoying the game, competing at a high level. I’ve had people throughout my life that helped me with that. But that is a skill that I’ve tried to master. It’s been working so far, so I’m not going to stop.”

The two-time MVP has been spectacular in the NBA Finals, helping the Bucks return from 2-0 deficit vs. the Suns. Antetokounmpo is averaging 32.3 points, 14 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.8 steals, 1.5 blocks and shooting 60.4% from the field.

Game 5 of the series is set to take place in Phoenix Saturday.