© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo vows to play as many games as possible this season
Because of a right midfoot sprain, Giannis Antetokounmpo was listed as questionable prior to the Milwaukee Bucks' duel with the Orlando Magic on Thursday night.
Giannis eventually suited up and went on to lead the Bucks to a 118-114 win and sweep their six-game homestand. Antetokounmpo admitted there was some discomfort on his right, but he thought no one knew about it.
"How did you know that?" a surprised Giannis responded to reporters when asked to comment on his foot issues.
Pain didn't stop Giannis from suiting up
While he was dealing with pain, there was no way Antetokounmpo would sit out.
"This is the NBA. There's going to be times that things gonna happen, you're not going to feel 100 percent, but for me, I just want to play games," said Giannis.
After undergoing a knee procedure in the offseason, the Greek Freak was inactive for most of the offseason. This is why Giannis is hungry to play more games this season.
"This offseason, I was a couch potato, ate a lot of Doritos and a lot of Lays, chips, a lot of popcorn, watched a lot of Netflix, I couldn't move. That was the first time in my career I wasn't able to participate for the national team and help them be better or whatever the case might be or worse, who knows," Giannis said.
Giannis is eager to be on the court at all times
Antetokounmpo assured that as long as his body permits, he will be suiting up even if he's hurting.
"I just try as much as I can now that I'm available, and I might not be 100 percent okay, I'm available, and I can play the game, I try not to take it for granted and play. Obviously, my foot hurts a little bit. I don't know why, I don't know if somebody stepped on me, I don't know what happened, but it doesn't matter, I'm still able to be available," said Giannis.
Against Orlando, the Greek Freak finished with 37 points, ten rebounds, and six assists as he led the Bucks to a season-high sixth-straight win.
Milwaukee is currently second in the Eastern Conference with a 21-7 record. With Giannis determined to play as many games as possible, things are certainly looking bright for the Bucks.
"I want to be available this year because, as I said, this offseason, I didn't play basketball. I started playing basketball like early September. That was the first time I was able to get on the court, so I'm happy that I'm out here playing with my teammates and competing in NBA games," Giannis concluded.
