After a back and forth battle between the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks, game four of the NBA Finals came down to the wire. With 1:28 remaining on the clock, Khris Middleton drilled a jumper to give the Bucks a narrow two-point advantage in crunch time.
On the next possession, Giannis Antetokounmpo proved why he’s been named to the NBA All-Defensive Team for the last three seasons.
With the Bucks clinging to the lead, Devin Booker drove through the lane before throwing a lob to his 6-foot-11 center Deandre Ayton. While it looked like Ayton had an open run for punching in the alley-oop attempt, Antetokounmpo was lurking.
The two-time Most Valuable Player went from playing help defense on Booker to fearlessly flying at Ayton in a matter of seconds. Antetokounmpo quickly met Ayton at the rim for a highlight-reel block.
Following the block, the Bucks went on to win the game by six points, 109-103. The series is now tied, 2-2.
Here is a look at multiples angles of Antetokounmpo’s block via @NBA on Twitter:
Can’t stop watching.
Giannis’ incredible block in #PhantomCam! #ThatsGame
Series tied 2-2… Game 5: Saturday at 9pm/et on ABC. #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/9v7iJxAzzu
— NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2021
Giannis' unreal block is even better in #PhantomCam. 🤯#ThatsGame #NBAFinals #FearTheDeer
Game 5: 9:00pm/et Saturday on ABC pic.twitter.com/0DDnR2CYKD
— NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2021
"This is one of the great recovery plays you'll ever see."
Another look at Giannis' clutch block late in the @Bucks win.. the series continues Saturday at 9:00pm/et on ABC.#ThatsGame #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/Y4TsnEvW2E
— NBA (@NBA) July 15, 2021
Via @SportsCenter on Twitter:
They close this series and that block is legendary! https://t.co/K6Poy5FymO
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) July 15, 2021
Following the clutch block by the five-time Milwaukee All-Star, a pair of former Golden State Warrior teammates chimed in on social media. On Twitter, Andre Iguodala called Antetokounmpo’s block “Lebron James-esque.”
Via @andre on Twitter;
That Giannis block was crazy… @KingJames esque!!
— andre (@andre) July 15, 2021
Draymond Green followed Iguodala with praise for Antetokounmpo’s denial at the rim.
Via @Money23Green on Twitter:
They close this series and that block is legendary! https://t.co/K6Poy5FymO
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) July 15, 2021
Antetokounmpo finished the contest with 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting from the floor with 14 rebounds, eight assists, three steals and two blocks in 43 minutes in game four.
With the series locked at two games each, game five is slated for Saturday at 6 p.m. in Phoenix.
[lawrence-related id=38464,38453,38446,38442]
[vertical-gallery id=37852]
[listicle id=38472]