If you're a Bucks fan and were hoping to change your wallpaper to a photo of Giannis Antetokounmpo dousing the entire locker room with champagne, bad news. Milwaukee chose not to do too much after its NBA Cup final victory Tuesday against the Thunder.
If there was indeed a presentation of the trophy with confetti and big smiles, in the locker room, the bottles remained closed, unlike the traditional ceremonial after having inflated his prize list.
The Bucks followed the advice of their assistant coach Darvin Ham, winner of this same competition last season at the head of the Lakers. Doc Rivers' right arm advised the Milwaukee technician not to celebrate this victory as revealed by journalist Chris Haynes. “ Rivers wants to focus on the rest of the season » specifies Chris Haynes after speaking with the winning technician of the day.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers told me after talking with Darvin Ham and his experience with Lakers last season, they chose not to celebrate The Cup championship with dousing and drinking of champagne. Want to focus on the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/CQ0J0aoeWz
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) December 18, 2024
The champagne bottles have not been uncorked
However, the NBA had planned everything, with a fully covered locker room, coolers full of drinks and protective glasses. But no bottles were used, and the beers made available ultimately had to be redistributed to journalists on site, in an unusual atmosphere.
“ I don't drink » assured Giannis Antetokounmpo anyway, amused at a press conference. “ The last time I drank a little champagne, it was when we won the title in 2021, I had a cramp all over my body. » The Greek, however, encouraged his teammates and the staff to take advantage of this moment in the coming hours, while remaining reasonable. “ I don't know if it's superstition, we should celebrate it. You never know if you will win another trophy again. »
Darvin Ham knows something about that. After triumphing in Las Vegas last season, his Lakers only won 3 of the following 13 games, dipping below 50% of victories before being exited in the first round of the playoffs by the Nuggets. “ What fun, I'll see you guys again, I promise » said Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the press room, NBA Cup in hand.
