PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 06: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter in Game One of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 06, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
NBA Twitter was in awe of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s chase-down block on Mikal Bridges in the first half of Game 1.
If there were doubts about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s knee injury heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals, he silenced them with a miraculous full-court chase-down denial of a Mikal Bridges layup.
The Milwaukee Bucks leading scorer showed off the remarkable athletic ability and defensive instinct that led to his winning both the NBA MVP and Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2020.
Watch this ridiculous play in which Giannis comes out of nowhere to thwart Bridges at the rim.
The play would have been highlight-worthy even without the backdrop of a painful hyperextended knee injury. It immediately sent NBA Twitter into a frenzy.
Twitter loved Giannis’ chase-down block in Game 1
The Greek Freak’s superhuman play was reminiscent of LeBron James’ chase down in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which is no doubt still haunting Andre Iguodala to this day. It was also an excellent reminder of why this NBA Finals series is so compelling.
Giannis had 10 points and nine boards at halftime in the first NBA Finals game of his young career. The Suns held a 57-49 lead at the break.