In what might end up as the best game of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s career, the Greek Freak dropped 50 points on the way to his first NBA championship.
His Milwaukee Bucks teammates struggled early in game 6, so every single bucket at Giannis scored was needed to keep the game close. Critically, Giannis was focused at the free throw line hardly missing on his way to a 17-19 night. Antetokounmpo did just about everything else as well with 5 blocks on the night including a chasedown rejection on Suns Forward Mikal Bridges. Those blocks were critical as almost all of them went towards Milwaukee teammates. While some might claim Giannis has “no bag” and isn’t a “hooper,” the Greek Freak stepped up with fadeaway jumps hitting the bottom of the net on this night.
With double digit boards, Giannis finished with 50-10-5 with his teammates snapping out of it in the 4th quarter leading to the Bucks’ first championship in 50 years. The statement game led to Antetokounmpo hoisting both the NBA Finals gold as well as the Bill Russell Finals MVP trophy.
The sneaker Antetokounmpo wore for this career highlight is the Nike Zoom Freak 2. Much of Giannis’ 2nd signature shoe was made to take advantage of Giannis’ moves and explosiveness. The outsole is decoupled with different forms of traction on the heel and forefoot. The wider traction in the heel is more firm to withstand all the impact from landing. This combines with the reinforced lateral outrigger, a frequent landing spot for Giannis as he gathers.
The tan, red and yellow PE that the Greek Freak rocked isn’t currently available.
You can find Giannis’ Nike Zoom Freak 2 at StockX, GOAT, and Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Cover image via New York Times