Giannis Antetokounmpo had an incredible chase-down block that looked almost identical to LeBron James’ most famous play
Giannis #Giannis
© Chris Coduto/Getty Images Giannis Antetokounmpo blocks Mikal Bridges. Chris Coduto/Getty Images
Giannis Antetokounmpo may have closely studied LeBron James and the art of the chase-down block.
During Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday, Antetokounmpo skied and swatted a layup attempt by the Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges off the glass to save a basket.
It was an incredible display of effort and athleticism from Antetokounmpo, who was returning from a hyper-extended knee for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was questionable for Game 1, but suited up after missing the previous two games of the playoffs.
Here’s the play:
Another look:
It likely looked familiar to NBA fans. The play was almost identical to James’ now-legendary chase-down block of Andre Iguodala in the final minutes of Game 7 of the 2016 Finals. Even ESPN’s Jeff Van Gundy noted the similarities on Tuesday.
© via ABC/NBA; via NBA/YouTube Giannis Antetokounmpo’s chase-down block looked like LeBron James’ in the 2016 Finals. via ABC/NBA; via NBA/YouTube
Of course, James’ block happened on a bigger stage, but both were amazing showcases of will and NBA players’ incredible athleticism.