"I'm rolling with him"- Adrian Griffin insists he will not hesitate to let Giannis Antetokounmpo take endgame free throws

Coach Griff believes in Giannis’ capability to make clutch free throws.

Matthew Dugandzic | Jan 16, 2024

Giannis Antetokounmpo fumbled a crucial free throw in the dying seconds of the Milwaukee Bucks-Sacramento Kings thrilling duel on Sunday night.

The missed free throw nearly proved disastrous for Milwaukee as it enabled Sacramento to force overtime. Behind an incredible buzzer-beating triple by Damian Lillard, the Bucks still ended up winning the match, 143-142.

Giannis’ missed free throw with 8.6 seconds left in regulation raised the question of whether it was wise to let the Greek Freak take free throws when the game is on the line.

Coach Griff has complete trust in Giannis

For Milwaukee coach Adrian Griffin, giving the ball to Giannis is a no-brainer when the team needs game-sealing free throws.

“I have complete confidence with Giannis and end-of-the-game free throws; he’s been tremendous, he’s been great. And if anybody doesn’t think so, go back and watch the film, watch the games, and you tell me,” said Griffin.

Antetokounmpo’s missed free throw against Sacramento nearly cost Milwaukee the win, but Griffin’s trust in the two-time MVP remains intact.

“I know he missed one, but he’s made some really big free throws for us and that’s something that he takes pride in, and I have complete confidence because I know how hard he works on his game,” Adrian said.

Willing to live and die with Giannis

Antetokounmpo is shooting 67.7 percent from the free-throw line this season. It may not be the most impressive free throw shooting percentage in the league, but Giannis has his coach’s complete trust.

“I know how hard he works on three-point shots, the free throws and when I see a player working as hard as Giannis works, I have no problem with him taking those shots because I know he works at it,” said Griffin.

Sunday’s situation will surely not be the last time the Bucks will need to make free throws to secure a win. And if similar situations come again, Griffin made it clear that he will never hesitate to turn to Giannis.

“I’ll do it a hundred times over. Giannis is a champion, he’s a two-time MVP, he has that NBA championship DNA in him, and I’m rolling with him,” Adrian said.

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MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.