After a tough playoff loss for the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo received a heartfelt message from his wife, Mariah Riddlesprigger, that reminded fans what truly matters beyond the game.
Following the Bucks’ heartbreaking first-round elimination by the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, Riddlesprigger shared a touching Instagram post dedicated to her husband.
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The photos showed her and their three children wearing matching outfits featuring Antetokounmpo’s face and jersey number.
“To My Husband, look at this life you created!” Riddlesprigger wrote. “We love you μπαμπάς (daddy). You make us proud every single day. Love, Your Team.”
“Love you,” Antetokounmpo responded.
The Bucks had a chance to win Game 5 in overtime, even without star guard Damian Lillard, who was sidelined with an injury. Antetokounmpo did everything he could on the court, finishing the night with 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists.
But a pair of late turnovers let the Pacers take the lead with seconds to go, ending the Bucks’ season with a 119-118 loss.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker defends during game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
After the game, emotions ran high. Antetokounmpo was involved in a heated moment with Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin and also exchanged words with the father of Indiana star Tyrese Haliburton. He later shared his thoughts during the postgame press conference.
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“I believe in being humble in victory,” he said, as shared by ESPN on Instagram. “I’ve won a championship. They haven’t.”
Antetokounmpo also called out what he felt was disrespectful behavior from Haliburton’s father.
“Coming onto the floor and cursing at me, I think it’s totally unacceptable,” he explained. “I’m happy for him and his son, but that crossed a line.”
As Giannis Antetokounmpo faces what could be a turning point in his career, he clearly has his biggest supporters right beside him — his wife and kids.
Related: Magic Johnson Changed His Mind on Major Giannis Antetokounmpo Prediction