Both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant are freaks who can be said as one of one in the game of basketball. The two figured in a semifinals match in 2021 and although the Milwaukee Bucks came out on top, the Greek Freak thought he battled against the best version of KD.
USATSI 25624253
Mar 8, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives to the basket in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Giannis was a guest at his brother’s podcast The Thanalysis Show and there they talked about the series they had with the Brooklyn Nets in 2021. The series finished exactly four years ago and it led to the Bucks winning their first title since 1971.
It is regarded as one of the best series of the 2020s as it featured two superstars at the peak of their career. Giannis already won two MVPs while KD is back from his old self and even got the nod as one of the captains in the All-Star Game.
The only issue is that he is coming back from Achilles injury. Still, he managed to lead his team to second place in the Eastern conference and finished the regular season with 26.9 points.
Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Jun 5, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots a three point shot against Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter of game one in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
He was even better in the playoffs wherein he finished with playoff career highs of 34.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 1.5 spg, and 1.6 bpg.
Giannis Antetokounmpo discusses playing vs childhood hero
The Greek Freak has been very vocal about how Durant was one of his inspiration growing up in Greece and he took it to heart what the 2-time champion told him after they beat the Nets in Game 7.
He said it was a huge thing for him to hear KD’s words knowing their admiration for each other.
“After the game, I was able to talk to my childhood hero. He knows that. I know that,” he said in the Thanalysis show.
“He told me ‘Go get you one. Every possession.’ In my head I was like. ‘Oh this is real.’ You know, he just had like a 50-point triple double (it was 48 points) against us. It was unbelievavle.”
Giannis went on to declare something about KD in that series.
“I think for me, that was the best version of KD ever that I’ve ever played against,” he said.
The part about what KD said was well-publicized but what about what Giannis told him. The Bucks star revealed it in the show.
“I went to him and talked to him and I said ‘Hey, man. I’m not here without you. You inspired me. You impacted my life. I wanted to be like you. The way you play. The way you carry yourself. The greatness that you have. I looked up to all of that.'”
“I feel like it was my duty to say that.”
Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns
Mar 30, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts after fouling a Houston Rockets player in the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Right now, there’s still no assurance whether these two will meet in another series as latest rumors say Durant might stay in the Western Conference even if he gets traded by his current team Phoenix Suns.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!