Giannis Antetokounmpo’s longtime girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger gave birth to the couple’s first child on Monday, and the Milwaukee Bucks star is hoping to see some benefit on the court.
Antetokounmpo will be entering a world of less sleep and a bit more chaos in his home life after the birth of his son, Liam Charles Antetokounmpo.
However, he’s hoping he can make like another NBA player and see his game improve after the birth.
“Look at Fred VanVleet,” Antetokounmpo said, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “He started making all those shots when he had his kid. Maybe that happens to me also. Who knows?”
Antetokounmpo is referring to something he saw firsthand in last year’s playoffs. Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet went on a tear following the birth of his son after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals. After that happened, VanVleet shot 68 percent from the field and 82.4 percent from three-point range in the three games following his son’s birth as the Raptors eliminated the Bucks. VanVleet had a great quote after doing it.
The Bucks are 46-7 entering play Tuesday and don’t appear to need the help. Imagine how much better they could be if Antetokounmpo gets some sort of post-baby bounce.
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