Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 59-point performance against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday night will be remembered as one of the standout individual showings of the season.
In leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a hard-fought 127-120 victory, the reigning MVP once again displayed his unmatched ability to dominate on both ends of the court. However, it wasn’t just his scoring that caught the attention of fans and analysts—it was also a dramatic moment in the game that highlighted Antetokounmpo’s resilience and his mentality as a player.
Late in the game, Antetokounmpo was on the receiving end of a hard foul from Pistons big man Isaiah Stewart. The physical nature of the play saw Stewart grab Giannis by the jersey to prevent a fast-break score, sending the Bucks star crashing to the floor. The incident resulted in a Flagrant 2 foul and an ejection for Stewart. But rather than dwelling on the hit, Antetokounmpo took the opportunity to reflect on how he’s grown accustomed to such physicality—drawing an unexpected parallel to boxing legend Mike Tyson’s recent comments on Jake Paul.
In a moment of candidness, Giannis referenced Tyson’s remarks from a Netflix documentary about Tyson’s upcoming fight with YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul. In the documentary, Tyson is asked about the differences between himself and Paul, to which the 58-year-old boxing icon responded with his signature grit. “He’s a manufactured killer. Television and the media made him a killer. He’s manufactured. I’m a natural-born killer,” Tyson declared.
Giannis, using the analogy, compared his own approach to the game to Tyson’s “born killer” mentality. “He said some guys are manufactured killers, he’s a born killer. I just feel the same way,” Antetokounmpo remarked. “I’ve been in that position many times in my life.” The comparison speaks volumes about the mental toughness that has helped Antetokounmpo rise to superstardom. For the Greek Freak, tough moments like the foul from Stewart don’t faze him—it’s simply part of the game.
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Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Toughness: A Product of His Upbringing
Reflecting on his background, Antetokounmpo pointed to his upbringing and his two older brothers, Thanasis and Kostas, as key influences in shaping his resilience. “I have two older brothers that, you know, pushed me around, played rough, and toughened me up, especially Thanasis. I’ve been hit so many times that it doesn’t faze me anymore,” Giannis explained. This background of physicality and challenge has prepared Antetokounmpo for the rough and tumble world of the NBA, where every possession can turn into a battle for position, every game a war of attrition.
For Antetokounmpo, the most important thing after the foul was getting back up and focusing on the next play. “All I could think about was getting up and trying to make two free throws,” he said. His mindset embodies a “next play” mentality that has been the hallmark of his career, enabling him to move forward after adversity and maintain his focus on the bigger picture.
Despite the hit, Antetokounmpo never lost sight of the game. “Coming to the game I knew it was going to be tough for me to get to my angles and make plays,” Giannis noted, acknowledging the challenge of facing off against tough opponents like Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart. “When you play guys like that, guys that are physical, tough, you gotta expect that.” It’s a mindset that has allowed Antetokounmpo to thrive in the NBA’s physical environment, where size and strength often define matchups.
Giannis Criticizes Dangerous Play, Praises Referees’ Call
While Antetokounmpo shrugged off the physicality of the game, he also took time to voice his concerns over the nature of the foul from Stewart. “At the same time, it’s a dangerous play. That’s not a basketball play,” Giannis said. This nuanced perspective underscores Antetokounmpo’s intelligence on the court—he is well aware of when physicality crosses the line into recklessness. “I think the ref did a great job of making the right call,” he added, acknowledging the officials for their decision to eject Stewart for the dangerous foul.
This commentary from Antetokounmpo highlights a growing concern in the NBA over increasing physicality and the potential for injuries, especially when plays like this one become too common. While Giannis can handle the physical toll of the game, it’s clear he doesn’t take lightly when those risks jeopardize the safety of players.
Tyson and Paul: A Clash of Mentalities
The comments Giannis made about Tyson and Jake Paul not only shed light on his own mindset but also give a glimpse into the mentality of two of the most formidable athletes in combat sports. In the documentary, Tyson further explains the difference between himself and Paul by emphasizing that his killer instinct is something innate, something he’s been born with, rather than a construct of media hype.
This contrast between the “manufactured” killer and the “natural-born” killer is a compelling narrative that extends beyond boxing. For Giannis, it aligns perfectly with his own perception of himself: a player who has had to fight and claw his way to greatness, a player who understands the sacrifices and challenges that come with rising to the top. He didn’t need the media to make him great—his work ethic, determination, and raw talent have been enough.
The Big Picture: Giannis and the Bucks’ Struggles
While Giannis continues to perform at an MVP-caliber level, the Milwaukee Bucks have had a rocky start to the 2024-25 season, dropping eight of their first 12 games. Despite Antetokounmpo’s heroic efforts on the court, the team has faced criticism for its inconsistency, especially from pundits who question Coach Doc Rivers’ reliance on his star forward. Nevertheless, Giannis remains steadfast in his commitment to lead his team through adversity. After the victory over Detroit, Antetokounmpo deflected any praise for his own performance, instead opting to highlight the team’s collective effort.
“I am just proud of my teammates,” Giannis said after the win. “They never stopped playing hard.” This statement reflects Giannis’ leadership, which extends beyond just his play on the court. He knows that to win in the NBA, it takes more than one player—it’s a team effort. His ability to elevate those around him has been a key factor in the Bucks’ success over the past few seasons.
The Road Ahead for Giannis and the Bucks
With the season still young, the Bucks have ample opportunity to turn things around, and much of their hopes rest on the shoulders of Antetokounmpo. However, as the Bucks continue to search for consistency, Giannis will need more support from his teammates to fully reach their potential. He has already proven time and again that he is capable of leading the team on his own, but for Milwaukee to contend for a championship, the supporting cast must step up in a more substantial way.
For now, Antetokounmpo remains one of the NBA’s most formidable forces, a player who thrives under pressure and continues to prove himself as one of the league’s best. Whether it’s on the court or in press conferences, his mentality as a “born killer” and his unwavering focus on winning will be crucial to the Bucks’ aspirations for the rest of the season. With his relentless drive and leadership, Giannis Antetokounmpo is ready for whatever comes next—on and off the court.
