Thanasis Antetokounmpo heard the whispers.
The Bucks forward has become a polarizing figure across certain circles of NBA social media. Much of that centers around his play style; as a member of Milwaukee’s bench mob, Antetokounmpo receives precious little play time compared to his more trusted counterparts.
When he does see the court, it tends to be in garbage time. That’s not always conducive to especially aesthetically-pleasing basketball.
On Friday, though, he recorded perhaps the greatest individual highlight of his NBA career. With the Bucks laying a beatdown on the Hornets deep in the fourth quarter, newly-minted boss Doc Rivers turned to the elder Antetokounmpo brother to salt the game away.
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He responded in kind, pulling off a vicious Shammgod that got his younger brother, Giannis, and the rest of Milwaukee’s bench off its feet. Here’s what you need to know.
Thanasis Antetokounmpo pulls off impressive ‘Shammgod’ dribble
With J.T. Thor matched up against him, Antetokounmpo leaned one direction then pulled it back the other, mystifying Thor and creating just enough space for him to get down towards the block. Not deterred by all the harrowing redwoods that surrounded him, Antetokounmpo then finished with aplomb, dropping a feather off the top of the glass.
THANASIS SHAMMGOD 😱🔥 pic.twitter.com/J2BfooWspx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 10, 2024
The ground shook as his layup found the target. His teammates were in raptures, shrieking in delight as Antetokounmpo ran back down the floor.
A closer look at the play showcased just how saucy Thanasis’ move was. He paired the crossover with a half-spin, leaving the Fiserv Forum faithful in stitches.
THANASIS WITH THE SHAMGOD 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/XuPQvjPOR9
— NBAĆentel (@TheNBACentel) February 10, 2024
Thanasis is only averaging 2.5 points per game this year. You’d be hard pressed to find a better bucket than the one he dropped on Friday night.
