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Giannis Antetokounmpo says he's glad Patrick Beverley is on his team now

Giannis is glad Pat Bev is on his side now.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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Milwaukee Bucks superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard may get most of the spotlight during the team’s resurgence since the All-Star break, but the former knows one player who has played a key role in their turnaround is fiery veteran guard Patrick Beverley.

The 12-year veteran has earned a reputation for being a hard-nosed player who isn’t afraid to mix it up with anyone—teammate or opponent. Giannis has crossed paths with Pat Bev numerous times in his career, and one thing the “Greek Freak” can say is that he’s glad to have Beverley on his side now.

Our a**h***e

Pat Bev has no qualms about making his presence felt, whether physically or vocally. The fiery point guard is one of the toughest and most intense players in the league, with his relentless defense and fierce competitiveness on full display every game. To put it lightly, he’s one guy most NBA players loathe facing on the floor but love having as a teammate.

“You know, he’s one of those guys—sorry for my language—that you say, “He’s an a-hole.” But when he plays on your team, you're like, “That's my a-hole.” You know, and I love him! I'm so sorry for my language, but we love playing with him. He's a leader, he knows how to play the game, and he’s a winner,” Giannis said.

A firestarter

Giannis admitted that facing off against Beverley wasn’t a pleasant experience, especially for someone who has the ball as much as he does. Whether it was Pat Bev’s constant poking at the ball or taking charges, he was always a nuisance on the court. But despite their intense battles, Antetokounmpo has nothing but respect for Patrick as a player.

“You know, I’ve playing against him for a lot of years now. I don't think I ever liked playing against him. He always comes in and mucks the game. He's like an instigator. He pushes your buttons. But like, having on your own team, he makes a game easier for us. I love playing with him,” Giannis added.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO