Stephen A. reacts to Giannis’ block on Deandre Ayton’s alley-oop in the Finals | First Take

Stephen A. reacts to Giannis’ block on Deandre Ayton’s alley-oop in the Finals | First Take
Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s clutch block on Deandre Ayton’s alley-oop in the final minutes of the fourth quarter of the 2021 NBA Finals. The crew also debates whether it was the greatest block in NBA Finals history.
#FirstTake #NBA
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[@datsapaddlin]

Ayton “I have a lob…” Bucks “We have a Freak…”

[@iraoden8206]

Nice.

[@yasithj4160]

Ayton is ovverrated

[@Bwwe82090]

Lol haha nice comment

[@3TooWonder]

We have a thief 😂

[@DreBeats_]

@@yasithj4160 L

[@riveenwickenham8392]

Let's not forget he jumped off HIS LEFT LEG, the one that had that nasty hyperextension around just 2 weeks ago. He truly is a spectacle

[@mattkeller5913]

Were still over playing the severity of that, really? It looked way worse than what it was and is probably near 100% healed by now. Why are you adding flair to a play that clearly has enough on its own? I feel like NBA fans do this all the time it's kinda obnoxious

[@lancemaliksi]

@@mattkeller5913 chill bro

[@briancheng1575]

@@mattkeller5913 ur so mad

[@Capstonetoy]

@@mattkeller5913 tell me of someone who would come back from that. Trae Young twisted his ankle on a still Ref and was done. This dude jumping, running and dropping 30+ points consistently after that injury TWO WEEKS AGO. Obviously you don’t understand how serious that injury could have been.

[@mattkeller5913]

@@Capstonetoy "how bad that could have been" you just made my point for me lol. Of course I like everyone else thought it was going to be bad but it wasn't.

[@tonyoso1391]

Y all better not complaining about how the finals ain't good anymore. They have giving us great performances

[@godduchiha9154]

Only casuals have that mindset

[@MrGenexxx]

meh

[@tigerhoods7927]

Lol only bandwagon lakers and nets fans are complaining

[@patrick553]

Just bronsexuals that are crying

[@donniewarren8363]

It's been great performances, but the refs also helped both teams out.

[@UnwrittenPlaylist]

The degree of difficulty of Giannis’s block is not emphasised enough in the sense that he blocked literally a 7ft player on an alley ooo. Where as Bron blocked a player attempting a layup. This is coming from a lebron fan boy.

[@kianrodriguez5761]

I mean LeBron had to chase down iggy from half court. While Giannis was already near Ayton.

[@SportsOnTheSide1]

Lebron did have to run from the other side of the court to even get in that play. Thats pretty difficult. But I always liked the block on Thiago Splitter more but it gets forgotten

[@liveandlearn97x]

@@kianrodriguez5761 but giannis had to make sure d book didn’t get an open lane and came back to guard an alley oop perfectly thrown n blocked but I think it took more difficulty for Brons block but giannis’ block took more skill cuz he had to guard technically the best two young players on that team and made a great defensive play, just like Stephen a n max said

[@kianrodriguez5761]

@@liveandlearn97x True. Still Lebron was already playing heavy minutes, so stamina was a factor. Along with the stakes. Game 7, score is 89-89, Less than a minute remaining. More stakes for Lebron side. Plus Giannis is younger, Lebron was 31 at the time.

[@shamonamufukinbeat]

Dont forget bron on tiago splitter blocked dunk.

[@QuanLovesGaming]

He definitely earned that DPOY from a year back.

[@Ghost-sz7uo]

He needs to take the challenge of guarding booker now. It’s for all the chips.

[@Cully1]

@@Ghost-sz7uo I don’t remember seeing Rudy gobert guarding booker 🤔 that’s not what makes u defensive player of the year

[@dwillwilliams1240]

@@Ghost-sz7uo he’s not a great on ball defender he’s a rim protector, shot blocker, and weak side help defender

[@jimmyjakroo2102]

@@Ghost-sz7uo yes and no. You don’t want your number 1 option getting tired trying to keep up with someone like Booker. Not that Giannis can’t guard him, but it would effect his offense down the stretch.

[@mars8254]

Rudy Gobert was never on his level. No one is. Giannis should be 2x DPOY

[@datsapaddlin]

On a side note Booker set the record for most fouls in a finals game without fouling out.

[@lantaw1590]

Hahahaha!

[@roper1183]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@patrick553]

The 5th foul was not a foul. Also, Jae Crowder had a clean block but they called a foul on him. He jumped straight up.

[@enochbeats5313]

@@patrick553 bruh he basically ran into him and dropped his shoulder what is you talking about

[@patrick553]

@@enochbeats5313 No, PJ ran towards him and then flopped

[@kidpoker1021]

This was disgusting watching, couldn't believe Giannis actually got that block.

[@irenejenna5725]

@FairPlay Jay and that was off the same leg that he hyper extended 2 weeks ago

[@bobbyben6134]

It was amazing. Hopefully his leg 🦵 will sustain all these injuries

[@molemanns]

He was so late!

[@jondwight2203]

i love his explanation best, he really was late

[@gabriel.hongkong]

Ya that block was sick. Filthy.

[@khoado123]

Giannis is literally make history right now with his performance in the Finals. Back to back 40+ points with 10+ rebounds joining MJ, Lebron, Shaq and Kareem. He also made 2 of the greatest blocks in NBA Finals history. One was in game 1 that scarily looks just like Lebron's block and the second one against Ayton. It's insane how people are still disrespecting this guy

[@Wallyworld30]

Giannis has 40+ Points and 10+ Rebounds now in Back to Back to Back games. 3 Consecutive games! He's unbelievable. How does Wisconsin have the best Basketball Player in the world and best Football Player in the World? We are a little spoiled!

[@spencerantoniomarlen-starr3069]

Who is still doing that??

[@khoado123]

@@Wallyworld30 i dont think Giannis is the best player yet. I still have Bron as the best but if Giannis wins, he's the best no doubt. If he wins a ring, he's done something that MJ and Lebron couldn't which is winning at the age of 26.

[@tijsvandepitte8266]

@@khoado123 thats true but lebron and mj never had the help that giannis had on the age of 26 can you name one player on lebrons or mj’s team that can score 40 points

[@nawal6485]

@@tijsvandepitte8266 Scottie pippen wouldn’t drop 40 but he’d be close and lebron had Kyrie wade bosh AD

[@diegomaldonado7292]

I love how Giannis isnt scared of getting postered, he goes for the block every time.

[@peterfunky8633]

He puts his body on line evvvvery time.

[@hfon3317]

That's the difference between him and harden

[@iffin3786]

I mean if it was in the Finals i wouldnt care if I get posterized im giving my all to stop you from getting a bucket

[@djhasta5031]

Must we remind everyone Giannis also had the same chasedown block Lebron did in 2016 in the first game of 2021 Finals.

[@jhank0cean]

That first Giannis block was in like the 2nd or 3rd quarter so def not the same

[@ShutThePuck]

This block is even better than his Game 1 block, and better than LeBron's block - these 2 were chasedowns where Giannis and LeBron were the help defenders, the players they blocked were impeded by the 1st defenders so it wasn't a pure 1 on 1. Giannis' block last night was all him, and it was while recovering, and it stopped an alley, that's just ridiculous in comparison.

[@dgfresh95]

@@ShutThePuck so Lebron block was t all Lebron? 😂

[@ShutThePuck]

@@dgfresh95 Go and watch the tape, JR Smith is the 1st defender to Iggy, he swipes and forces Iggy into double clutching into an awkward layup instead of the easy dunk, LeBron who's trailing both winds up blocking Iggy's layup attempt but it took 2 defenders to make that block. Giannis' Game 1 block was similar, but this Game 4 block was all Giannis and it was a high degree of difficulty to recover on a oop pass lobbed over his own head.

[@dgfresh95]

@@ShutThePuck lmao so Lebron didn’t block him in a game 7 of the finals in the last minute? That’s not Lebron at all huh. That’s everybody around Lebron but let’s not give Lebron any credit. Yeah you a warriors fan for sure 😂😂😂😂 you’re what’s wrong with fans

[@tristancampbell4941]

Chris Paul really sold right after a StateFarm commercial 😂

[@DaGr8Depression]

Yessir! Chris Fraud going home in 6

[@fadilsp3]

Chris paul must've switched bodies with cliff paul

[@liveandlearn97x]

@@DaGr8Depression I don’t disagree, but I think it might go 7 cuz d book is just too much unless giannis and Middleton have pretty much the same game they had last night but they gotta do it in Phoenix which could be done but finna take a lot n jrue holiday needs to make shots or give more shots to Bobby n Brook Lopez cuz they got the straps 😂💯💯

[@ShemarCedrick]

Scott foster is on the way

[@TopFamEnt]

@@DaGr8Depression suns in 6

[@BelleZish]

Whenever Middleton is playing well, Giannis only needs to focus on defense …not scoring. But if Middleton is struggling to hit shots, then Giannis needs to focus on scoring.

[@erea8319]

and the fact giannis can do both scoring and defending at an elite level is ridiculous

[@molemanns]

Tell Coach Bud. Took him 3 seasons to realise smh

[@kaviididan7581]

Facts

[@NixonMayHaveBeenOnToSomething]

@@erea8319 he can drive at an elite level. He has no other offense. Imagine if he did?

[@matt_oworu_19]

@@molemanns 😂 after winning coach of the year 🤦🏾‍♂️ the way nba is exposing he sucks at coaching you’d think they didn’t vote for him

[@sportspsp]

Somehow Big Perkinks will come on the show and still say Middleton is Batman.

[@igotjokes4ya340]

He’s not Batman but he played like Batman last night

[@th6027]

He already did some hours ago

[@luny2nez281]

@@th6027 How about the rest of the series?

[@sportspsp]

@@igotjokes4ya340 I agree. But he will diminish Giannis.

[@Pavilon0014]

Man I can't wait for Perkins to eat his words if bucks win the series

[@jaykelly7617]

I like the segments where SAS actually can see eye to eye and SAS doesn’t act childish when he doesn’t like what he hears

[@tolen1689]

That block by AKUMPO was clean af and how he reacted to the alley

[@peterfunky8633]

Big swing in momentum as the sun's were coming.

[@ethanorosco4487]

Not to mention that we’re talking about a similar play when Giannis hyperextended his knee against the hawks. The backstory and the amount of space Giannis had to cover is why I put this as arguably if not THE best block in finals history. Literally played perfect pick and roll defense. That block is iconic

[@thatfatguy7591]

Lebron's block on iggy is still the best of all time. Giannis is great but considering they were already up two points, the game would have been tied. Lebron's situation was dire. Came back to force a g7 after being down 3-1 to the greatest winning team in nba history. 4th quarter tied 89 with 2 mins left and neither team could make a basket since 8 mins in the quarter. Iggy on the fast break ahead of everyone would have given the gsw the lead, but lebron came sprinting from behind and blocked it with a few millimeter from being a goal tend. Also cavs were playing in oracle. Sorry, you cant compare the cavs and lebrons back story to the bucks and suns. Giannis block is great but not all time.

[@kuzzaahh3746]

@@thatfatguy7591 THANK YOUUUU literally don't understand how people can even compare this block to lebrons. Honestly probably just out of spite at this point lol ain't no way there is no comparison

[@shrey9699]

@@kuzzaahh3746 It's usually what happens when he doesn't make the finals which is twice in the last decade. People will come out with takes to downplay what he did. Giannis' block is in the same ballpark as an all time great defensive play but if we're adding backstory to it then LeBron's is better considering the circumstances in a Game 7.

[@user-yg4rn5cj3n]

@@kuzzaahh3746 people say lebrons block is the greatest of all time, however in terms of difficulty Giannis destroys LeBron in that category, This block is iconic

[@user-yg4rn5cj3n]

@@kuzzaahh3746 Also that block was a momentum booster,if Giannis didn't get that block then suns wouldve tied and this would be a different series

[@riverofcustard5027]

I think we can all agree, LeBron’s was more important and Giannis’ was more difficult

[@D.A.OhK.]

If Giannis doesn't preserve that 2point lead with under a minute half remaining, Bucks could be facing an insurmountable 3 games to 1 hill to climb. So it's hard to say which was more important at this point.

[@fyemusicplug6486]

@Emeka Ekwulugo yeah it was a win or go home game, def more important.

[@SA-cp4tw]

@Emeka Ekwulugo not to mention if lebron doesn't make that block - the warriors pretty much win the game since it had gone 5 minutes without a single point made. If giannis doesn't make that block they still have time to win the game.

[@Andersonq7]

@@D.A.OhK. yea and lebron overcame that insurmountable 3-1 lead and closed out game 7 with that block stopped the Warriors from getting the lead in the 4 th quarter at oracle

[@alexescutia4805]

@@D.A.OhK. brons was in a game 7 in a finals they were coming back 3-1 in lol

[@jordanc.3405]

That was not only one of the greatest moments of the NBA Finals, but it was one of the clutch Game Winning/Saving Blocks of all time!!

[@avf1107]

Giannis lowkey might have 2 of the top 3 blocks in an NBA finals.

[@jehushaphat]

When you consider that Giannis is only a few games removed from a knee injury, it makes it even more impressive.

[@nardoharold7017]

Lebron: “2 to go @cp3” Giannis: “And I took that personally”

[@TheLastWalenta]

Booker: Throws lob over Giannis to alley oop to his man. Giannis: Ok, fine. You think he is gonna make the dunk. Great. Fine. I'm gonna show you he can't.

[@alanacevedo4928]

I’ll make it simple: Lebron’s block had higher stakes. Giannis’ was harder to make. So in my opinion, in terms of the block itself, I take Giannis’

[@Tyrunner0097]

I would agree with SAS that Lebron's was "prettier", but Giannis' had a greater degree of difficulty, to go from defending Booker to, in less than a second, react and realize Booker was tossing up an alley-oop, take a big step to his right, and jump up to meet Ayton at the basket, and to actually get all ball on the block; all of those factors makes it the better block. Yes, Lebron's will be considered by many to be greater because it's a Game 7, but Giannis' was still high stakes, and combined with everything he did on that block, Giannis' would be above Lebron's block in my book.

[@medz3288]

Stephen A. Coughs Doctor: You have covid 19. Stephen A. : You’re wrong, and here’s why.

[@horse-4598]

whats sad is he would probably literally say that

[@MrAlinawaz3633]

Stephen A “under the weather “ at the perfect time in his career. Lol

[@docferro361]

He wanted save his career after his comments

[@amaris5145]

Vaccine

[@user-bm9cv9vn2k]

It was definitely not as high leveraged as LeBron but personally was more difficult to pull off.

[@JustMoseyinAround]

Prepare your self for the bronsexuals... They don't know how to read.

[@revilloteoj1934]

I disagree Lebron ran from end to end and had to time the block perfectly, as not to goaltend, but giannas block great

[@wixkedwill7011]

@@revilloteoj1934 naw bruh Lebrons block is greater but Giannis block is way better u never seen someone block an alley opp after defending the ball in the pick and roll and blocked a 7fter

[@revilloteoj1934]

@@wixkedwill7011 Lebron block is great, but giannis block is better 🤔 okay, I never seen what Lebron did either

[@Anonymous-ux8ku]

Giannis’ block looks more impressive and was more difficult to pull off, but Bron’s block is better simply because it was in a game 7.

[@ZacharyAdu225]

No, Lebron’s block in 2016 was in a high pressure game 7 to win a championship but this one is definitely up there

[@undefeatedpacifist8389]

Lebrons was more high leverage but giannis block was far more difficult and much more impressive

[@objectivelife7321]

No it wasn’t time left still: kyire saved him lebron is not closer Like Giannis, he gave kyire the ball when last 2 minutes started

[@yvnggoat4739]

i respect your opinion but If Giannis doesint make that block, suns probably go up 3-1. If lebron doesint make that block warriors go up by 2 but Kyrie still makes the 3 to put them up by one

[@Terror832]

Tied for 3rd best block in Finals history imo 3. Giannis block alley oop on DeAndre Ayton 3. 2013 LeBrons disrespectful block on Tiago Splitter 2. 1994 Hakeems block on John Starks game winner 1. 2016 LeBrons chasedown on Igoudala in G7

[@datsapaddlin]

@@objectivelife7321 lol are you trolling…Middleton closed the game out last night

[@sev7397]

Greek Freak ain't playing around!

[@22tango79]

Here (0:52) is the a-ha moment when Giannina actually tracks the ball after it has left Booker’s hand and that moment is beautiful to see as a fan of the game. Incredible-a master at work.

[@CJtheGr8.]

Giannis is literally evolving in these finals

[@gfear24]

One thing that was NOT mentioned was the fact Giannis is essentially playing at about 70% because of the knee injury. LeBron was playing at 100% on his chase down. For Giannis to pivot from one player to Ayton and get up to block the alley-oop, in the span of about 1.5 seconds is next level.

[@back2back379]

The way he covered two players there and covered ground like that reminded me of what Pippen used to do.

[@moeconcepts7394]

There you have it James, the brother is Skilled. Watch out so you don't get killed on the court.

[@Trapligo]

Finally stephen a gives some respect to Giannis

[@redyoshi1873]

Max “with the faith of the universe on the line” Kellermen

[@austinclark007]

"fate"

[@edwinyounes4934]

I want IGUODALAAA

[@nielsjohansen9381]

Booker did something just as impressive. A double double with points and fouls

[@cameronmichelson7457]

I will always be happy to say I saw think block live

[@SDotwarrior]

Easily one of the greatest blocks/plays ever in Finals history

[@deadboylifex]

Giannis got the best block and best dunk in finals history, they both were clutch and epic

[@MinatoLord4th]

Max “Load management” No one:….. Molly: ohhhhoooohoooo!!!!!!!!

[@Sam-gl6bm]

You know Stephen A is actually sick if he’s agreeing with max this much 😂

[@kalebtalley2504]

I'm a sun's fan so I was really pissed when it happen but that really was probably the best block I've ever seen this one an lebron's are both legendary plays

[@techniteazyceomaynardmorga5608]

That block was like a Volleyball Spike. Excellent preparation, timing, and execution.

[@Matte0369]

That block definitely decided the game, it’s almost like Giannis is clutch or something… nahhhhh y’all are too prideful to admit he is after saying he isn’t.

[@QuayThePlay]

Facts

[@fireblood4699]

What they not going to talk about… that’s some wilt stuff right there. That’s the type of stuff he used to do (more routinely obviously). I mean amazingly dominant, like you have to watch it multiple times to appreciate it. And he was doing it all 4th quarter. If he wasn’t an mvp, we’d be talking about his amazing defensive performance in the 4th.

[@ellandecampbell6279]

"Best of all, he doesn't use an interpreter." -Stephen A.

[@indiana_bones5583]

"Probably because he is black" - Rachel Nichols

[@luishernandez05]

😂😂😂

[@ryanmcphee8451]

Lmao

[@RiruKrypto_]

This game will haunt the Suns for the rest of their lives.

[@myscabula]

Me before finals: if its not nets vs lakers then its gonna be a dry finals. Me last night: praying to god someone randomly gives me tickets to game 5 😔

[@HECTORAS_1974]

We have to admit that there is no other NBA player who would have tried to block that switching from one player to another... Maybe an american footballer...

[@jonathanalvarez8477]

All effort

[@haywood0457]

This series was destined for 7 from the get go. Only way it doesn’t go 7 is if either team plays out of character. Otherwise this matchup is statically even across the board. Even in regular season PHX beat MIL by literally 1 point in the last 3 seconds!

[@mars8254]

Sorry, Bucks in 6 my guy

[@rohangupte3545]

@@mars8254 If CP3 turns it over next game like he did this one the Bucks have an edge

[@Tyrunner0097]

I feel the Bucks have the momentum now, even going back to Phoenix. The Suns had every opportunity to put the game away and be in the driver's seat for the rest of the Finals, and without Booker, nobody else came forward to help him. I think they see how determined the Bucks are, and they're needing to regroup now.

[@rohangupte3545]

@@Tyrunner0097 If the Suns fix their small stuff defensively and CP3 limits his turnovers they have a chance plus Ayton needs to get going offensively. If CP3 chokes like he did Game 4 Bucks are winning this

[@Livesimple_enjoylife]

He’s a beast! Never seen a block like that since watching nba

[@TheVijaiParadigm]

Remember when everyone was saying that Bam's block on Jayson Tatum was the best block in playoff history last year? Now nobody is talking about it.

[@mauricegary9940]

that block was GREAT 💯

[@indiana_bones5583]

Short memories.

[@atty.fernandog.madarcos8724]

Both legendary blocks. Period.

[@aaronjohnson3495]

That block was no way close to Lebron's block of Iguodala. Lebron had a clean high flying block. The Giannis block look like it could have been called either way. Clearly you see Giannis hand hit Andre's hand and wrist but he did get ball too.

[@soulman1988]

Let's not forget, these are the same people who called Milwaukee and Phoenix terrible cities.

[@jamesmcstay4314]

giannas will retire the greatest big man ever

[@johnathonklinedinst5889]

You really think he will end up better than Russell, Kareem, Hakeem and Shaq?

[@justaaveragesportsfan3909]

@@johnathonklinedinst5889 and wilt

[@native_savage5561]

As I feel about most debates, for example, the GOAT debate in sports, plays, whatever you may be debating, although it’s very fun and I debate things with my friends all the time about sports, at the end of the day, the fact that we are even talking about a particular person or play proves their greatness. For example, at the end of the day, no matter who you pick, Kobe, MJ , or LeBron, should be appreciated for their greatness rather than getting compared to each other so much, them being in that conversation just proves their greatness Edit: Same for the plays in the video, it’s crazy we are seeing all of these great things live!

[@javenterry8691]

LeBron had help from JR Smith. This was all Giannis

[@viciousnfkndelicious]

Real ballers know that blocking an alley is harder than a chase down block on the board because of risk to reward. If both the blockers in those scenarios failed, the alley oop blocker gets massively posterized whereas the chase down is no big deal

[@barkacademies3829]

I’d like to see First Take absolutely decimate the officials. The refs in today’s NBA are absolutely garbage, no consistency. Booker out there with like 9 fouls and I’m a life long suns fan 😂

[@chriskay1449]

They did decimate the officials and Booker for that matter. In the segment after this they mockingly congratulated Booker for "Becoming the first player in NBA history to foul out 4 times in one playoff game" and flat out declared that the NBA is heavy handed with the refs.

[@jez6078]

How great it would be for Steven A to call out the referees names on every single play

[@sstandarsh]

Glad to have these guys back

[@kurayahmi]

*LeBron's block wasn't even what was actually impressive about the play, it was the sprint he did to block it, and it was CLUTCH! Max trippin*

[@xeonbladev18]

Giannis block was definitely harder and more skillful

[@turzyn40]

Bahaha try to slow down the speed of the video to 0.5x, it's hilarious 😆. It's like they smoked a pound of weed and got drunk🥴. I tried to see the block in slow to see if Giannis hit Ayton's hand... he did. Unexpected discovery gave me a laugh 😅 Start at 0:19 seconds at 0.5x speed and then wait for Stephen A. to speak it's even funnier. You're Welcome😆

[@turzyn40]

Blocking thyy the oop to thee alley ooop 🤣

[@AdonisKeef]

Giannis’ team was winning and he protected the lead in a series deciding game/play. Lebrons team were losing, that block did not win them the game. The shot made by kyrie did. Giannis has the best block in finals history and it only took him 1 final to get it. The only way lebron’s block will be better is if the bucks don’t win the title which is very possible.

[@plefevre]

I disagree. If LeBron doesn't contest Igoudala's layup and block it, GS wins game 7. It was over. Kyrie may have hit the go-ahead shot but LeBron's block was the key that unlocked the victory.

[@AdonisKeef]

@@plefevre you talking about a team who blew a 3-1 lead in the finals. They had 3 full games to close the series yet you’re sure they would have closed it in the final minute had it not been for that block? Your team was behind and that block contributed no points. Iguadola was going for a 2 kyrie hit the winning 3. It wasn’t because of James’ block that Kyrie the opportunity to shoot that 3, that was an entirely different play. If that block never happens and kyrie hits the 3 then Cavs are still up by one and then lebron still missed a free throw and made another so they would have won by 2 not 4. 🥴

[@harikrishna-jk3ww]

Finally a good take from max 🎉

[@SSJRome]

Stephen A need to go into health and safety protocols smh over there coughing all on the set

[@antogus2027]

Its not infectious after 14 days

[@aadeyemi5767]

Not to mention, Giannis actually did the Lebron Block in Game 1. So he has actually done two all-time great blocks already in four finals games

[@kiranrajendran8378]

For me this is the better block than LeBron..✌️✌️

[@AsapShawn]

Giannis already did lebron block in this playoff and now he did a much greater one at a mean full time

[@pedroniez5277]

lebron had more many iconic blocks on 2016 alone than giannis's whole career

[@edwinyounes4934]

Sorry but lebron’s block was much more impressive and much more important… giannis did it so they don’t go down 3-1. Lebron did it to come back from being down 3-1. Nonetheless this was an amazing block but they gotta stop comparing everything to lebron, it just ruins the moment

[@stavrospavlides2093]

agreed. I'm a Giannis superfan, but let's give credit where it's due: Lebron's block could not have conceivably been higher-stakes, i don't see anyone ever topping that. HOWEVER, Giannis' block was higher difficulty, for what it's worth

[@atribecalledlen3567]

So it’s Giannis’ fault they not down 3-1?

[@stavrospavlides2093]

@@atribecalledlen3567 dude don't get me wrong, Giannis is my favorite player! But in terms of sheer drama, i've never seen anything like that 2016 game 7. Of course i'm not penalizing Giannis for not being down 3-1

[@chriskay1449]

@@stavrospavlides2093 Higher difficulty is what makes it better than LaBron's. Labron's could never do what Giannis did while Giannis already replicated Labron's block in game 1. Giannis's was far more impressive.

[@edwinyounes4934]

@@atribecalledlen3567 no but the facts are that Lebron’s block was much more important than giannis’s block.

[@mikejenkins3906]

Giannis has most skilled block in NBA history. ::James Harden leaves the chat::

[@Slenderirl]

I mean A.D was doing this too when healthy.

[@yvnggoat4739]

If AD is in that position he doesint jump

[@nbafns]

AD in 2016 (college) would but the current AD won't

[@diegonelopop]

lmao

[@OrbiTiZZeD]

he wasn't blocking he was giving a high five. positivity 👍

[@ewajajonna]

Thing is Giannis replicated Lebrons block in game 2 or 3, can't remember.

[@isaacgonzales4677]

3:37 When you get caught cheating on a math test

[@MrYunus999]

Iguadela passing the ball back to steph would be like ben simmons passing up a free dunk he did the right thing

[@IGoBySam23]

What? How was it the right thing bro it was blocked 😐 at least wit steph it would’ve been a easy bucket

[@MrYunus999]

@@IGoBySam23 lol it was a Easy layup that was blocked by James.. there is only a few player who could pull off that block.

[@geoffbruce8605]

Wow, at 2:20 (Even though he's just talking about seeing the highlight in person), Stephen A. Smith actually said that it was depressing for him to not be in Milwaukee.

[@cacaf8989]

the difficulty and the moment makes it the best

[@estefanyveras4112]

Two different blocks but just as beautiful.

[@MacKuhhhhhhh]

A play that only Giannis could’ve made

[@tnix1]

We are seeing Giannis finally realizing his potential. In the past he was just regular season mvp. He has become the true mvp during these playoffs. Legendary performances.

[@drakevick1646]

Max said it, the degree of difficulty for Giannis to make that block was insane

[@johnpestano7077]

Giannis admitted postgame he thought he was going to get dunk on that just shows the humility of Giannis.

[@Floetron]

Shoutout to ESPN for showing the highlights...

[@Bluecmu]

I still like the Tayshaun Prince block on Reggie Miller

[@DexTVReacts]

what a block! Giannis has had a crazy playoff run! All the haters gotta shut up after this run he's been on. Legendary

[@panayiotispanayides2519]

Repeat the next 5 years there is nothing to stop Milwaukee See you in 2027 Be happy and stay healthy

[@enstetapia9413]

The fact that every other player would've thought that was a long to the basket is the difference. The awareness, the defensive skill and agility to turn and get in that position is all you need to know.

[@Lime.17]

as much as i love giannis's block, lebron chase down are iconic and it will always hold a special place in my heart

[@Tyrunner0097]

If the Bucks win the Finals, we will be remembering Giannis' block in a whole new way. It's hard to calculate its significance RN because the Finals' haven't been decided yet.

[@willbanks2085]

This was the first good take from first take in a while

[@jakeleibowitz165]

Life just seems better when these 3 are in studio

[@SportzTalkDeej23]

How bout Pj Tucker too for getting that key rebound as well.

[@Bronkoifish]

I actually find it enjoyable to listen to these two agree on something lmao

[@birbsandsports]

Giannis' block was far better and harder than LeBron's. LeBron had to block just a layup. We've seen that before, granted, not on that stage, but still, chase-down blocks have been done plenty of times before. Giannis had to block a freaking alley-oop dunk, on a player he wasn't even initially guarding, without fouling, and getting all-ball. When Booker already had flipped it up in the air, Giannis hadn't even been able to turn around to even see Ayton. To cover the ground that he did while the ball was still in the air, turn, run up to the peak of the ball, and make the clean block? That is the greatest Finals block of all time.

[@amrannahshal738]

Maxx " Degree Of Difficulty " Bayless 🤣

[@jasonkonadu7684]

Lmao Max he’s loading managing 😂😂😂😂😂 to Stephen A.

[@omari2239]

Both blocks were unbelievable period stop it 😂😂

[@rickywhite2936]

I love how Stephen A. is like 'if I was Igudola I would have kicked it back out to Steph' .. with the benefit of 5 years of hindsight to ruminate on the best option available. The game happens so fast, if Igudola doesn't attempt that layup he's probably being roasted like Ben Simmons right now! lol

[@drewcheung4239]

Replay shows the defense sign @ 57 seconds. That was a block to remember!!

[@AATWT11]

How we forget so fast… Lebron block might just be the GREATEST play in NBA history. There are plenty of more difficult blocks than both Lebron and Giannis blocks but the situation is what matters. No one had scored in 3-4 minutes and the warriors were about to take the lead and lebron took the life out of the golden state crowd. It was the Greatest play I’ve seen in my life. Giannis doesn’t compare because the moment wasn’t as big. Was an insane block though I must say.. definitely up there in most phenomenal plays I’ve seen as well.

[@jamesmoore9636]

That block was all giannis's footwork, yall ain't peeping his footwork 🤔