Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks had their season come to an abrupt end Wednesday night in a Game 5 loss to the Heat. It moved Miami into the second round of the NBA playoffs and left Milwaukee wondering what could have been after it entered the postseason as the favorite to win the title.
Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks to the championship in 2021, missed two games of this series with a back injury. His return wasn’t enough, though, mostly because Jimmy Butler was back doing Jimmy Butler things in the playoffs yet again.
After the game, Antetokounmpo was asked if he saw the season as a failure. That led to this very thoughtful answer:
“Michael Jordan played 15 years, won 6 championships. The other 9 years were a failure?"
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 27, 2023
-Giannis' passionate response to if he considers the Bucks' season a failure pic.twitter.com/G5VtwnGXYq
While Shaquille O’Neal didn’t completely agree with that, lots of NBA fans loved it:
Giannis is outstanding: “There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days, some days you are able to be successful, some days you are not, some days it is your turn, some days it’s not. That’s what sports is about. You don’t always win.” pic.twitter.com/aTnFpnGtdx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2023
This is really good. You might not agree with Giannis … but it really does highlight something.
— Brad Fritsch (@BradFritsch) April 27, 2023
No one cares more about the results than those who play for the team, work for the team, own the team.
If you *think* you do … maybe stop and ponder a few other things. https://t.co/jiwUSOVmFB
Just showed this to Mateo Ali. Thank you @Giannis_An34 for the wisdom that our kids can learn from. https://t.co/Bl8YAv7dGl
— Michael Skolnik (@MichaelSkolnik) April 27, 2023
Great message. Perfection is unattainable and failure is inevitable how will you handle it? How will you respond? That determines success! https://t.co/XDIXhcz4YJ
— Coach Crawford (@bj_crawford) April 27, 2023
Great answer from a level headed athlete who also talks about Michael Jordan…always remember “steps to success” which takes time https://t.co/AazDzbNbYq
— Concierge Physician (@NFTConciergeDoc) April 27, 2023
This guy is unreal. Such a special person. @Bucks @Giannis_An34 https://t.co/79SCa2kdtd
— Tony Lyght (@LyghtTony) April 27, 2023
