Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s secret to incredible play this season: 'I eat a lot of fruits'

This little tweak to Giannis’ pre-game diet has propelled him to great heights this season.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo attributes his incredible play this season to one simple change in his diet: eating more fruit. On Thursday, the Greek Freak recently revealed the secret to his success, saying he's been eating peaches and bananas before games to stay energized.

Unstoppable this season

The Bucks have won seven straight to start the season, matching the franchise's best-ever start. Antetokounmpo has been a significant reason for that. The two-time MVP and reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week is averaging 33.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game, putting up one monster game after another to lead the Bucks to the league's best record in the NBA.

Asked for the reason for his remarkable performances, Antetokounmpo shared he's made a few changes to his routine this season.

"I've been eating a lot of fruits before the game. Peach before the game gives me a lot of energy. It makes me feel good. After my pre-game shooting, I eat a banana. I haven't done that before. So, I eat a peach and a banana, and I think it allows me to play better," said Antetokounmpo.

Hard to argue with success

The Bucks have been the best team in the league this season, and Antetokounmpo has been the best player. So whatever he's doing to prepare himself for games, it's working. And while his diet change may seem small, it could be just the edge Antetokounmpo needs to stay at the top of his game all season long.

The scary thing is despite the superb numbers, Antetokounmpo feels he's still trying to get into a rhythm this season.

"I don't think I'm in a rhythm yet. I'm still chasing it, you know, I'm chasing that feeling," Giannis said. "I want to help my team be great. I want to be as efficient as possible for this team. I want to win games."

The Bucks will look to extend their winning streak to eight on Friday when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Antetokounmpo and company will hope that a few more pre-game peaches can help them keep the good times rolling.​

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.