Despite playing just half a season with the team, there’s no denying that Jeff Teague holds a special place in the hearts of the Milwaukee Bucks faithful. This is thanks in large part to the crucial role he played during the Bucks’ historic championship run in 2021.
In a recent interview with Draymond Green, Teague looked back at that memorable title conquest, including the pivotal role Thanasis Antetokounmpo played for the squad.
Milwaukee Bucks News: Thansis Antetokounmpo Is the Heart and Soul of the Squad
According to Teague, Thansis’ COVID absence was what led to Milwaukee going down 0-2 in the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns. It wasn’t that the Bucks missed Thanasis’ production on the floor. After all, he played just a minute and a half throughout that entire series. However, the fact that he had to enter quarantine and be away from the squad had a significant negative impact on his brother, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“That’s why we went down 0-2, Giannis was messed up,” Teague said. “Him and his brother they got some different kind of connection. He can’t function or play if he don’t see his brother.”
Teague then went on to share how the mood instantly changed for the entire squad the moment Thanasis rejoined the team after his mandatory quarantine period.
Teague made it abundantly clear that despite Thanasis’ lack of minutes, what he brings to the table for the Bucks is unquestionable.
“His energy was contagious,” Teague continued. “… I’m like, ‘Yeah, he matters. He makes a difference for our team. When he’s not here, something’s not clicking.'”
Jeff Teague on Thanasis’s impact pic.twitter.com/kO0UtdvPLY
— offseason g (@madebyg_) July 20, 2024
Upon Thanasis’ return, the Bucks went on to win four straight games en route to their first franchise championship in 50 years. That could not have been a complete coincidence.
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