Ever since the final five minutes of the fourth quarter, the cheers inside FedExForum had never stopped.
Even now, with only 32 seconds left in the game, the arena was still overflowing with cheers.
The Milwaukee Bucks were already down 13 points to the Grizzlies. They had no hope of winning.
After all, even if the miracle of "McGrady Time" were to happen again, it would still require 35 seconds.
Both sides had already put in their full reserve lineups. These final 32 seconds were merely a formality. The Bucks had given up resisting.
The game resumed, but the cameras were not aimed at the court. Instead, they zoomed in on Antetokounmpo on the Bucks' bench.
A few days earlier, after the game against the Clippers, Antetokounmpo had arrogantly declared, "I don't want to be seen as conceited—that's not who I am—but I truly don't think anyone can stop me."
Just one day ago, the Greek was still smiling at the cameras as he said, "Link is no longer the most dominant player in the league. He's only one of the most dominant players."
But now? That confident smile had vanished without a trace. All that remained was a vacant stare and a helpless expression.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had posted 37 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in this game. On the surface, the "Greek Freak" had not played badly today. He had nearly dropped 40 points at FedExForum!
Yet beneath those glossy numbers was the embarrassment of scoring only 4 points in the final five minutes, missing all three of his three-point attempts. And, of course, there were also four turnovers in those final five minutes!
The Greek's performance in the clutch had rendered his otherwise impressive stat line worthless.
And that was why the Milwaukee