Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t seem to be aware that there’s already prize money for everyone who made it to the knockout rounds of the NBA in-season tournament. Not that he’s complaining, though.
After leading the Bucks to the 146-122 quarterfinals win on Tuesday against the New York Knicks, Antetokounmpo was informed that each member of the roster is already guaranteed $100,000.
Upon learning the reward system, Antetokounmpo couldn’t help but be surprised. He’s obviously happy with that, however, if we base it off his reaction to the prize money.
“Are we getting money now?” Antetokounmpo asked the reporter during his on-court interview after the game. “We got some money?” The Bucks star asked again before hilariously saying, “The rich get richer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo definitely deserves the extra money. Against the Knicks, he stepped up big time and nearly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists. He also had three steals, highlighting his two-way impact on the contest,
Damian Lillard was equally impactful. Before Antetokounmpo took over in the second half, Lillard got the Bucks off to a fast start. Dame Time dropped 19 points in the opening 24 minutes of play, even banking a clutch three-pointer before halftime to put Milwaukee ahead 75-72.
The Knicks got 41 points from Julius Randle, while Jalen Brunson added 24. However, they were simply no match to Milwaukee’s balanced attack.
The Bucks now head to the tournament semifinals, where they will face the Indiana Pacers. The winner of that game will then play the winner of the other semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans.
Antetokounmpo might be motivated to know, though, that the players from the championship team get $500,000 each, while members of the runners-up make $200,000 each.
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