After leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a decisive victory over the Indiana Pacers, 117-89, Giannis Antetokounmpo gave one of his fans an early Christmas gift.
After the game, the NBA player called the lucky fan on the court to pose for pictures and gave her his sneakers.
As she held the enormous size 16 boot in her arms, the girl was obviously overtaken with emotion.
Antetokounmpo also had a great night on the court, contributing 18 points, 19 rebounds, and nine assists to his team’s victory over Malcolm Brogdon, a former teammate.
Regarding Brogdon, Antetokounmpo remarked, “Happy for him.” Before the game, we had a brief opportunity to speak. Man, just keep improving. He will support his team.
NBA-leading Milwaukee, who have now won three straight after an 18-game winning streak ended in a 120-116 loss to Dallas, had 19 points from Wesley Matthews.
After spending his first three seasons with the Bucks after being selected by Milwaukee in the draft, Brogdon was acquired by Indiana in a summer sign-and-trade. He finished with 10 points on 5 of 19 shooting and 10 assists, and his return was greeted with applause and a tribute film.
“It was wonderful to return to Fiserv (Forum),” Brogdon remarked. To me, these fans have been incredible. I thought they were fantastic tonight. Over the last three years, they have been wonderful. I am truly grateful for them.
In 2017, the 6-foot-5 Brogdon was chosen as the NBA Rookie of the Year. After shooting at least 50% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line last season, he became the seventh player to join the league’s 50-40-90 club.
Before the game, Brogdon stated, “If they had wanted me, if they valued me the way the Pacers valued me, I would have loved (to continue) to play for this team.”
With 10:28 remaining in the second quarter, Brogdon made his first layup to put the Pacers ahead 26โ24. With 53 seconds remaining in the first half, Donte DiVincenzo hit a layup to put Milwaukee ahead 56-55, and the Bucks never fell behind again.