Giannis Antetokounmpo is the likely NBA MVP, and he showed yet another reason why on Monday night at Little Caesars Arena as his Milwaukee Bucks completed the four-game opening round sweep of the Detroit Pistons out of the 2019 Playoffs.
Pistons guard Ish Smith was attacking the basket for what he thought would be an easy layup and two points – but the Greek Freak would have none of it. One monstrous block later, and the entire building was buzzing.
GIANNIS OUT OF NOWHERE 🚫#FearTheDeer | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/jlLUcjltXU
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 23, 2019
Of course, the internet was buzzing soon afterwards as this fan’s reaction went viral. Check it out:
These reactions to that Giannis block are all appropriate pic.twitter.com/wxiRhKES7r
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 23, 2019
This kids reaction to Giannis block lol.
I know kid. We make that face at least 82 games a year. Its incredible. https://t.co/MsvdidRieX
— 83% of Brewers Tw/tter (@FansIrrational) April 23, 2019
the pistons fan is all of us too https://t.co/3CYjkkpBdT
— Marissa (@marissagrace___) April 23, 2019
This Pistons fan reaction on the Greek Freak rejection is awesome!!!! pic.twitter.com/S3MaKj267m
— Robert Land | Houston Sports Talk Podcast Host (@HSTPodcast) April 23, 2019
Lmao the Pistons fan after that block
— Carlos Dorame (@CarlosADorame24) April 23, 2019
Better #NBAPlayoffs Reaction Face:
RT: Nick Nurse
Like: Kid After Giannis Block pic.twitter.com/Y4zs8BZff9— Fanatics Sportsbook | PB (@fanaticsbook_pb) April 23, 2019
BONUS CONTENT:
Tom Gores doesn’t regret short playoff appearance
The Detroit Pistons qualified for the 2019 NBA Playoffs by defeating the New York Knicks in the final game of the regular season, earning the very last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference standings.
Of course, that meant they’d have to run into a buzzsaw called the Milwaukee Bucks, who won 60 of 82 games, good for best in the league. And while the Pistons didn’t win a single game against Milwaukee in the playoffs (or in the regular season), they’re not regretting their short experience in the postseason.
Team owner Tom Gores, who was in attendance, stayed positive and said that he’d rather have had a short postseason experience than none at all.
“We’re happy to get in and I’m very happy to see this stadium rocking a little bit and Detroit get going,” Gores explained court side following Game 4.
“I just don’t believe in the idea of … whatever you want to call it, tanking, losing,” Gores said. “We need a winning culture here. You can’t get on the court and think about losing. I just don’t believe in it. I think this year, before the All-Star break, nobody thought we could get into the playoffs, so we did do something special.
