MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo has officially won his second consecutive Most Valuable Player award.

He's the third player in NBA history to win MVP and defensive player of the year in the same season. Michael Jordan and Hakeem Olajuwon were the others.

“We are extremely grateful to witness Giannis earn the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive season and send congratulations to him and his family,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “Giannis is an elite player and this historic achievement is a testament to his superior work ethic, character and determination to improve every day. He is a special player and an even better person, which makes it that much more gratifying that he is again recognized as our league’s MVP.”

Our Dennis Krause listened to Giannis' virtual press conference and said he emphasized "wanting more."

The now 25-year-old became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in all five statistics of total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in the 2016-17 season.

He received the Most Improved Player award in 2017. In June 2019, He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player in June 2019 and in August 2020 he was named the 2019–20 NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

“What Giannis does for our team on both ends of the court, every night, is extraordinary,” said Bucks Head Coach Mike Budenholzer. “As a teammate, he sets the bar for all of us through his incredible work ethic, his unselfishness and his drive to be the best. He impacts all of us as a player and a person, and we’re proud to congratulate him once again on being named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.”

Giannis is the 11th player in NBA history to win back-to-back MVP awards. Stephen Curry of Golden State was the player to do it most recently before Giannis.

He is only the second Bucks player to win back-to-back MVP awards. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar captured the award in 1971 and 1972.
Kareem won three MVP awards in his six years with the Bucks, also taking the award in 1974. He went on to win the award three more times with the Lakers.

The Bucks were knocked out of the NBA playoffs after losing to the Miami Heat, only having won one game in the five-game series.