Their first meeting
Victor vs Giannis was meant to happen just before Christmas. But Victor wasn’t able to make it. Both men were on the same court this time.
Their Back Stories
Giannis Antetokounmpo has one of the most beautiful life stories in sport. It probably could only have happened in the NBA and the USA. On the other hand, Victor Wembanyama is from a sporting family. He has had an elite sporting education. His games playing for Metropolitans 92 were televised in the USA before he had even entered the NBA such was the hype.
Interestingly, neither man is a product of US College Basketball.
The Tail of The Tape
Giannis Antetokounmpo AKA “The Greek Freak”. Milwaukee Bucks. 6′ 11″ , NBA Champion, 2 Time League MVP , Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the year, 7-time All-Star.
VS.
Victor Wembanyama AKA “Wemby”. San Antonio Spurs. Way taller than 7′ 4″ (according to Giannis!) Rookie of Year favorite with his future yet to be written.
The Game
Victor and Giannis play both ends of the floor and never take plays off. The professionals would say that they play the game the ‘right way’ They spent much of the game guarding one another. This made it an enthralling encounter.
There were many highlights including Victor’s Self Alley-Oop Off The Glass and Giannis’ famous unstoppable drives to the rim. It was an enthralling encounter and came down to a few key plays involving both men.
The Ending
The ending of this match up is what makes basketball so exciting as a sport. Giannis and Victor were going back and forth blow for blow in an epic battle. It truly was Victor vs Giannis. The game was close in the final few minutes. The Spurs were up 118-115 until Giannis hit 2 three-balls in succession to move the score to 121-118 in favor of the Milwaukee Bucks. Victor hit back with his own 3-ball to tie the game 121-121.
Giannis scored an and-1 to retake the lead 124-121. After the San Antonio Spurs missed a shot, Giannis drove to the rim to be met by Victor with a block. The San Antonio Spurs secured the rebound and took a time out with 16 seconds left of the game. Victor had a an opportunity to shoot himself. However, he followed the Spurs motto of “giving up a good shot to give your teammate a great shot”. Tre Jones wasn’t able to knock down the 3 to tie it. The San Antonio Spurs lost the game 125-121.
Both Giannis and Victor are amazing players on the court. Not only that but they are also great role models off the court. The NBA is lucky to have them.
