As I’m sure you know by now, celebrations begin pretty easy for freshly crowned NBA Champions.
Back in 2008, Kevin Garnett went wild in the minutes following his title win. He couldn’t even hold it together for the postgame presser.
Last year, LeBron James recorded live as he celebrated with his team, at one point even laying on the hardwood to smoke a cigar. He was later seen carrying the Larry O’Brien trophy in Las Vegas.
For Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, they celebrated in a similar fashion following their Championship victory. Just minutes after it became official, there were tears shed, Champagne flying, and smiles donning the faces of every player in the locker room.
Amid all the chaos, however, Giannis put it on pause to hear some words from the other side.
After losing a heartbreaking NBA Finals, Suns head coach Monty Williams went to the Bucks’ locker room to personally congratulate them on their championship.
This man is all class and someone a coach at any level should look to as a role model. pic.twitter.com/9YK18H82dH
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) July 21, 2021
It’s a pretty incredible moment on its own, but it gets even better when you realize Giannis is the one who personally invited him over.
“I walked in with him in the locker room. So, I had the people stop the music and stop the champagne. And he was able to talk to the team and congratulate us.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo said he invited Monty Williams into the Bucks' locker room
"I walked in with him in the locker room. So, I had the people stop the music and stop the champagne. And he was able to talk to the team and congratulate us."
(Via ESPN | h/t Bleacher Report) pic.twitter.com/BSczjacFcD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 23, 2021
First of all, props to Monty for his show of good character. Even after a crushing defeat at the hands of a tough opponent, he still had the kindness to go out and congratulate the Bucks in person.
Secondly, we should acknowledge the respect shown by both Giannis and his team here. To invite coach Williams over and allow him to share a word with the team is a class act from the Freak. Amid the short and sweet speech, the team was attentive and respectful.
This is the type of thing you love to see in sports. Even at the highest stage, at the climax of the NBA season, people don’t lose perspective on what really matters.
