As the crowd at the Fiserv Forum kept screaming “MVP! MVP!”, Giannis Antetokounmpo walked into the spotlight, sporting a warm smile on his face. As he was handed over the shinning NBA Championship ring, the Greek star took a good look at it and he paced towards Milwaukee Bucks announcer Jim Paschke, who was doing an ‘I love Antetokounmpo’ shirt, and embraced him.

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That was probably the moment of the night, where Antetokounmpo could feel in person the great feat he had achieved at the end of last season.

In Game 6 of the NBA Finals against Phoenix Suns, Antetokounmpo put up one of the finest individual shows on display, scoring a startling 50 points and carrying Milwaukee Bucks to their first championship since 1971.

However, it’s too naive to give all the plaudits of Bucks’ victory to the 26-year-old forward. After all, who can forget the game-winning steal from Jrue Holiday on Devin Booker in Game 5 and later setting up Antetokounmpo for that showbiz dunk?

Meanwhile, later in the ceremony, Khris Middleton took up the mic, thanking all the backroom staff and especially all the fans for their incredible achievement. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was also present at the pregame event. 

Following the ceremony, the Bucks unveiled the championship banner, which hung in Fiserv Forum’s west rafters.

The jewellery given to Milwaukee players on Tuesday in commemoration of the 2021 NBA championship has something special about it, and it’s not just the various references concealed within the quantity and carat of diamonds featured in the design.

It has a removable top and can be worn as a pendant.

Later in the night, Antetokounmpo and co. will start their title defence facing the Brooklyn Nets, who would have eliminated them in the second round of the 2021 playoffs if Kevin Durant’s foot hadn’t crept across the 3-point arc while making a shot in Game 7.