NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo forced to cut back on muscle-flex celebrations
The Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo says he has found exuberant celebrations after slam dunks have sapped too much energy.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo says he's had to tone down his familiar muscle-flex celebration for his own benefit.
Antetokounmpo produced yet another outstanding performance for the Bucks on Thursday in a 142-133 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
The Greek forward scored 40 points, with 15 rebounds and six assists as the Bucks closed in on the second-placed Brooklyn Nets (46-24), improving their record to 45-25.
He became the first player to finish with at least 40 points, 15 rebounds and shoot at higher than 75 per cent since the great Charles Barkley back in November 1988.
Giannis: "What I've felt is after I scream of flex, then I'm tired!"
Antetokounmpo revealed he has had to cut back on tensing his muscles after slam dunks in order to save his energy.
When asked about turning into "superhero" after a dunk, he said: "I just feel so much adrenaline, I've got to let it out.
"But what I've felt is after I scream or flex, then I'm tired! I flex for two or three seconds, then I'm running down the court thinking damn, I shouldn't have done that. This year after a dunk I usually just walk back. I'm trying to save as much energy as I can."
Next up for the Bucks is the visit of the Miami Heat on Saturday but Antetokounmpo is not studying the schedule.
"I don't know who we play next. After the game I have to ask the guys 'what do we play next?' Miami at home, okay great, then I get ready for it." he added.
"I don't like to think we have Miami, Chicago and all that. I just take it day by day."