Giannis Antetokounmpo sends alarming message amid NBA Cup and $500k pursuit   

Giannis Antetokounmpo minced no words when he made it clear that winning the Emirates NBA Cup was his immediate objective. Speaking to the media in the aftermath of the East quarterfinal win against the Orlando Magic, the 'Greek Freak' said Milwaukee had unfinished business.

The Bucks advanced to the semifinals where they take on the winner of the matchup between the Atlanta Hawks, and the New York Knicks.

The forward stated that the Bucks were heading to Las Vegas to win. Interestingly, each member of the Championship-winning team will receive $514,971, according to the New York Times.

He said:

"I am very happy that we can go to Vegas. We have unfinished business. We're going to have fun, we're going to play good basketball, we're going to compete. We're not going just to go there, we're going there to win games."

The $500k prize money is one of the massive benefits along with winning the silverware. Last season, LeBron James also noted that winning the moolah was a boost for the players on the roster who could earn a bit more alongside their existing contracts.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a game-high 37 points, coupled with seven rebounds, and four blocks as Milwaukee won 114-109. He received support from Damian Lillard (28 points and nine assists), and Bobby Portis (22 points and 10 rebounds) off the bench. Jalen Suggs led the Magic with 32 points, nine rebounds, and four steals.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo gets real on MVP aspirations: "Definitely means something to me"

Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the middle of another MVP-caliber run as he brought the Bucks campaign back to life after a torrid start. Speaking to the media after the team's matchup against the Detroit Pistons, the two-time NBA MVP admitted that he was gunning for a third.

Per Yahoo! Sports, he said:

"Yeah, that definitely might put tears in my eyes. I do want to be part of that conversation. It lets me know I was able to help my team, carry my team, solidified [us as a team]. “I’m not gonna lie, it definitely means something to me."

Antetokounmpo earlier said winning MVP didn't mean much to him but has painted a different picture this year. At 30, the Bucks superstar is in his prime.

Nikola Jokic has won three MPVs and is on course to win the fourth this year as the Denver Nuggets continue to build on his scintillating form.

Winning a third MVP award will see Giannis Antetokounmpo go past Stephen Curry, Tim Duncan, and Steve Nash, and into the same league as legends Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone, and Jokic.