In so many ways, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an unlikely superstar. The lanky 26-year-old, dubbed “The Greek Freak” for his stunning athletic feats, recently added an exclusive honor to his professional resume: NBA Champion. In July, Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns in the 2021 NBA Finals.

But his most distinctive attribute might not be his athleticism, but his humility. Following the Bucks’ Game 4 victory in which he helped preserve the win with a particularly impressive defensive play, Giannis explained how to keep a winning perspective after such a successful outing:

From my experience, like when I think about, “Yeah, I did this. I’m so great. I had 30, I had 25, 10 and 10,” or whatever the case might be … “Oh, we won this and that.” Usually … the next few days, you’re going to be terrible.

Giannis’ frankness elicited chuckles as he illustrated the benefit of staying humble:

When you focus on the past, that’s your ego. “I did this.” We were able to beat this team 4-0. I did this in the past. And when I focus on the future, it’s my pride. “Yeah, next game, I do this and this and this. I’m going to dominate.” That’s your pride talking. I try to focus in the moment, in the present. And that’s humility. That’s being humble. That’s not setting expectations. That’s going out there and enjoying the game.

Possible Preaching Angle:

When we remain humble and teachable, we honor the model of Jesus, who emptied himself by taking on the role of a servant.