© Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
"I'm rolling with him"- Adrian Griffin insists he will not hesitate to let Giannis Antetokounmpo take endgame free throws
Giannis Antetokounmpo fumbled a crucial free throw in the dying seconds of the Milwaukee Bucks-Sacramento Kings thrilling duel on Sunday night.
The missed free throw nearly proved disastrous for Milwaukee as it enabled Sacramento to force overtime. Behind an incredible buzzer-beating triple by Damian Lillard, the Bucks still ended up winning the match, 143-142.
Giannis’ missed free throw with 8.6 seconds left in regulation raised the question of whether it was wise to let the Greek Freak take free throws when the game is on the line.
Coach Griff has complete trust in Giannis
For Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin, giving the ball to Giannis is a no-brainer when the team needs game-sealing free throws.
“I have complete confidence with Giannis and end-of-the-game free throws; he’s been tremendous, he’s been great. And if anybody doesn’t think so, go back and watch the film, watch the games, and you tell me,” said Griffin.
Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw against Sacramento nearly cost Milwaukee the win, but Griffin’s trust in the two-time MVP remains intact.
“I know he missed one, but he’s made some really big free throws for us and that’s something that he takes pride in, and I have complete confidence because I know how hard he works on his game,” Adrian said.
Willing to live and die with Giannis
Antetokounmpo is shooting 67.7 percent from the free-throw line this season. It may not be the most impressive free throw shooting percentage in the league, but Giannis has his coach’s complete trust.
“I know how hard he works on three-point shots, the free throws and when I see a player working as hard as Giannis works, I have no problem with him taking those shots because I know he works at it,” said Griffin.
Sunday’s situation will surely not be the last time the Bucks will need to make free throws to secure a win. And if similar situations come again, Griffin made it clear that he will never hesitate to turn to Giannis.
“I’ll do it a hundred times over. Giannis is a champion, he’s a two-time MVP, he has that NBA championship DNA in him, and I’m rolling with him,” Adrian said.
