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Giannis Antetokounmpo · Facing the conundrum of a 17-point early-game deficit, and a starting lineup that couldn’t discover its rhythm, the Milwaukee Bucks, during the 2013-14 season’s second game, studied their bench, hopeful to find a jolt capable of steering victory. To call what they found a “bench spark” would become an understatement; Milwaukee couldn’t have known at the time, but on November 1, 2013, the NBA witnessed the evolution of one of history’s most fiery competitors in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Conscious of his around-the-rim gifts from the get-go, Antetokounmpo tests it professionally, first through a backdoor cut against Jeff Green, leaving the then-seven-year veteran a step behind in pursuit. All-reaching in his 7-foot-3 wingspan, Antetokounmpo — even after having already passed the rim entirely — unleashes an over-the-shoulder reverse through the net, ceremoniously capturing his NBA career’s first-ever bucket. Antetokounmpo’s five-point, two-rebound, +11 plus-minus contribution ultimately played a pivotal role in both Milwaukee’s 66 bench points, and a come-from-behind win on the Boston Celtics’ floor. In what became an appetizer of what would come, the overachieving Greek phenom brought in an All-Rookie Second Team nod from the NBA Draft’s No. 15 spot, with everything from titles to Most Valuable Player awards in the distant future. · State of Mint