Have The Miami Heat Pushed Giannis Antetokounmpo To Revenge Mode?

Talks of Damian Lillard to the Miami Heat have some declaring them the favorites to win the Eastern Conference.

But Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks might have something to say about that. The Heat ended the Bucks’ championship ambitions after defeating them in the first round of the playoffs. It was the second time the Bucks were upset by Miami in the past four seasons, once again after being the top-seeded team in the league.

This may fuel a fire under the Bucks, especially Antetokounmpo after he was criticized following the five-game defeat.

At the conclusion of the series, he posted a message on social media saying, “I'm tired of the disrespect. I'm coming.”

He is backing up his words, posting a video at the gym training and coaching other players.

ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins had the Greek Freak as his top MVP candidate for next season on a Monday night segment of NBA Today. The Heat and Bucks could see each other again for a spot in the NBA Finals.

Miami could have Lillard this time around to fuel their chances, but Milwaukee has their own championship ambitions to resurrect.

“When we talk about a guy who has something to prove, I’m betting the house on Giannis,” Perkins said. “We saw his message last year. He doesn’t believe in failure. I didn’t believe him, I think he’s gonna come back and show the world. He cut down the hair, he got the low-top Giannis look back, he got his squad back.”

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Jayden Armant is a contributor to Inside the Heat. He is a student at Howard University. He can be reached at jaydenshome14@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @jaydenarmant.