Giannis Antetokounmpo made history [again] last night. The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 123-114 on Friday night. In the process, Giannis posted 43 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists. It was the second-straight game in which Giannis posted a 40-20-5 stat line, following his 45 points, 22 rebounds, and seven assists in a loss to the Chicago Bulls. He is just the third player in NBA history to post a 40-20-5 stat line in back-to-back games.
One of the things that has made Giannis so well-respected is his work ethic. He is always trying to improve his game, no matter how well he plays. Last night, after going 14-21 from the free throw line, Giannis practiced his free throws after the game. Earlier this season, a video of him doing so went viral due to the infamous ladder incident. This time, however, the video has gone viral thanks to the adorable antics of his two children.
Related: Richard Jefferson Has Questionable Comments About the Giannis/Ladder Situation
The New Viral Video
As many fans know, the Antetokounmpo family includes two sons: Liam and Maverick. Both made heartwarming appearances in the video during Giannis’ free throw routine:
Giannis Antetokounmpo shooting free throws after the game and his son chasing the basketball. Too funny. 🤣 #Bucks pic.twitter.com/pQNdhcEkKH
— Kyle Malzhan (@KyleMalzhan) December 31, 2022
Free Throws Continue to Be a Struggle
For his career, the Greek Freak is a 71.2% free throw shooter. However, this season, he is shooting just 64.5% from the line. This season, especially, is not an ideal time for him to go cold from the charity stripe. Through 30 games played, the two-time MVP is averaging 8.4 free throws made and 13.0 free throw attempts per game. Both are career highs, though he did make 8.3 free throws per game last season when he shot 72.2% from the line. If his struggles continue, the 2022-23 season will be the third in the past four seasons in which Antetokounmpo fails to shot 70% or better from the line.
This all being said, his free throw percentage this season is currently better than it was when he won MVP and Defensive Player of the Year back in 2019-20. That season, he had a free throw percentage of 63.3%. That figure is the lowest of his career. Antetokounmpo’s best season shoot free throws, at least in terms of percentage, was the 2016-17 campaign. That year, he won the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award and shot 77.0% from the line.
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