'So powerful': Giannis Antetokounmpo bursts into tears in heartbreaking MVP speech
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has won the NBA MVP, edging out Houston’s James Harden and Oklahoma City’s Paul George.
The 24-year-old phenom guided the Bucks to a league-best 60 wins and the Bucks’ first appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001.
For all his eye-catching on-court performances, it was Antetokopunmpo’s emotionally charged speech after accepting the award that left the NBA world reaching for the nearest box of tissues.
The Greek superstar paid tribute to his mother, Veronica, his brothers Alex, Thanasis and Kostas, and his late father Charles, holding back tears.
“I want to thank my Dad,” Antetokounmpo said after accepting the MVP award.
“Obviously, my dad is not here with me.
“Two years ago, I had the goal in my head that I’m going to be the best player in the league. I’m going to do whatever it takes to help my team win and I’m going to win the MVP.
“And every day that I step on the floor, I always think about my dad and that motivates me to push me to play harder and move forward even though my body is sore, even though I don’t feel like playing, I always go and show up and I always go and do the right thing.”
Many in the room at the NBA awards couldn’t contain their emotions either - and nor could NBA fans on social media.
NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, fighting through tears, channels his father, Charles, who passed away in 2017: "As my dad told me, always want more, but never be greedy. My goal is to win a championship and we're going to do whatever we can to make that happen."
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) June 25, 2019
Not a dry eye in the house. Well deserved, @Giannis_An34. Congrats! #NBAAwards https://t.co/uon0XY3aoV
— Mr. D on JUMP! & Fresh Radio (@MrDRadio) June 25, 2019
Giannis on his brothers: "We started from nothing as a family ... the journey hasn't ended yet."
— Andrew Greif (@AndrewGreif) June 25, 2019
Hard to not like Giannis after seeing that heartfelt acceptance speech.
— Vince Welch (@vincewelch) June 25, 2019
That was so powerful from Giannis
— Ryan Wing (@RyanWingFOX11) June 25, 2019
THIS is the reason why Giannis became my kids’ favorite NBA player this season. What a beautiful acceptance speech.
— Sage Steele (@sagesteele) June 25, 2019
I’m not crying, you’re crying! 😭❤️
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s speech after winning MVP giving me all the feels.— Krysten Peek (@KP_Rivals) June 25, 2019
Giannis bout to make me shed a tear
— Darius Slayton (@Young_Slay2) June 25, 2019
European players sweep NBA awards
European-born players swept the three major NBA awards.
Greece’s Antetokounmpo took out the MVP, while Frenchman Rudy Gobert won his second Defensive Player of the Year.
Luka Doncic, of Slovenia, won the Rookie of the year award.
It was a winning night overall for the Bucks, with head coach Mike Budenholzer winning coach of the year, and general manager Jon Horst winning executive of the year.
