NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has wished his son Maverick a happy first birthday.
In a post on Facebook, the Milwaukee Bucks player, who is preparing for Greece's run the Euro competition, wrote: "Happy Birthday Big Boy."
In November 2021, Giannis' girlfriend Mariah Riddlesprigger informed the world of the child’s new name along with the planned charitable event in a post on Instagram:
“Our healthy baby boy, Maverick Shai Antetokounmpo, was born on August 18, 2021. Prior to having children, Giannis and I always agreed that what we do for one of our children we will do for all of our kids, to the best of our ability obviously.
“When Liam was born our family and friends threw us two amazing baby showers to celebrate his arrival. They blessed us with everything possible for bringing baby boy #1 into this world. When we found out we were having another son 18 months after Liam’s birth we knew we already had everything we needed to bring baby boy #2 into the world.
“However, Giannis and I agreed to celebrate the birth of our second son just like the first. That is when the idea of “Maverick’s Diaper Mission” came to life. A diaper drive celebrating the birth of baby boy #2. With the commotion of a Championship title run, raising a toddler and being seven months pregnant we weren’t able to coordinate a diaper drive prior to his arrival, but we were adamant that we celebrate our son while also helping our community!
“Becoming a mom made me realize how expensive basic needs for babies and children are. Diapers, wipes, food, etc. should be accessible and affordable for all families. I realize that I am privileged and fortunate enough to be able to afford those basic needs. With that privilege, I believe it is also my duty to give back and help other mothers and families provide those basic needs for their children.
“In celebration of Maverick’s birth we have partnered with MKE Diaper Mission (@milwaukeediapermission ) to host “Maverick’s Diaper Mission”. November 14-21 there will be several ways for people worldwide to giveback to fighting diaper need. Follow along November 14-21 to discover the importance of diaper banks, how you can giveback, where you can donate, how families in need can access help and more. We have also collaborated with NUNA to do a few givebacks throughout the week, so make sure you tune in for more details. I am excited to celebrate with you all and thank you as always for supporting my family!”
Meanwhile, the Greek duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Dorsey provided an efficient performance to overpower Poland 101-78 (27-10, 23-27, 19-22, 32-19) in the second match of the Acropolis tournament.
Giannis led the team with 24 points in almost 23 minutes of play. He shot a whopping 19 free throws, making 12 of them. Overall, the Greek Freak shot the ball only 8 times from the court. He also grabbed 4 rebounds and made 2 steals for a combined 20 PIR.
Greece started the match with an impressive 18-2 run. Although Poland scored a couple of baskets, the first 10 minutes belonged to Greece, and the home team led by a comfortable 17-point margin after the first quarter (27-10).
When it seemed that Poland is overwhelmingly overmatched, the away squad went on a 15-0 run to narrow their deficit to just 2 points (27-25). However, with Giannis back on the court, Greece showed which team is better.
A solid end of the first half propelled the home team to a dominant performance in the second. Greece held a comfortable lead throughout the remaining 20 minutes and went on to take an easy victory.
Besides Giannis, Tyler Dorsey was a prominent figure on the court with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists for 20 PIR. On the Polish side, Mateusz Ponitka was the top-scorer with 15 points and 4 rebounds.
Greece: Giannis Antetokounmpo 24 (5/8 FG, 12/19 FT, 4 REB, 20 PIR), Tyler Dorsey 19 (2/3 2PT, 4/9 3PT, 3 REB, 3 AST, 20 PIR), Ioannis Papapetrou 12 (4/4 2PT, 4 REB), Kostas Antetokounmpo 11 (5/7 2PT).
Poland: Mateusz Ponitka 15 (3/7 2PT, 3/4 FT, 4 REB), Michal Sokolowski 13 (3/5 2PT), Michal Kolenda 10 (3/4 3PT).
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