Giannis Antetokounmpo is not used to these kinds of defeats. The return of the Greek star to the court at Madison Square Garden, after missing four games due to a groin injury, was not enough to prevent the Bucks’ seventh consecutive defeat, falling 118-109 to the New York Knicks. Antetokounmpo, who recorded 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists in 28 minutes, saw his team suffer their worst streak since March 2014, when the player was a rookie. After the game, the player made a passionate call for his team to regain the “competitive spirit” and change the course of the season.
The player spoke extensively about the changes needed for Milwaukee (8-12), currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference and two games away from a play-in spot, to get back on track. Antetokounmpo acknowledged that fatigue and injuries have affected the team, but emphasized the importance of focusing on teamwork and basic tasks.Nobody should have a personal agenda. Nobody should worry about what they want for themselves. Just worry about the winning mentality. The more we can win games, the more everything will take care of itself.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The player also pointed out that some of his teammates get frustrated by missing shots, which impacts the rest of the game.At the end of the day, you have to come, do your job, do what you’re paid for, defend… do the little things. And sometimes, when you care about doing the little things, all the other things add up.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The player also talked about the importance of moving the ball, looking for open three-point shots, and creating space on the court. Of the Bucks’ seven consecutive losses, four occurred with Antetokounmpo injured. The player had limited minutes on Friday night, which may have influenced the loss. The team needs to improve on offensive rebounding, avoid turnovers, and not commit fouls, according to coach Doc Rivers.You can’t worry about a shot or two that you miss, what took four seconds of the game to dictate 47 minutes, 56 seconds of the game. We have to get back to that mentality. We have to get into the mentality that we have to compete. We have to get into the mentality that this is not a one-man show, that we have to do it together.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks will play against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. The player stated he felt good and hopes to increase his minutes in the next game.We are outplaying teams… but it’s turnovers, offensive rebounds, and fouls. It’s a numbers game, and we have to win that game. Especially with Giannis [on the court], if we win [the numbers game], we’re going to win the game.
Doc Rivers
I know what the protocol is. I know that when you come back with my injury, there has to be a minute restriction, no matter what you want to do. No matter what type of game it is. Would I want to play more? Yes. Could I play more? I don’t know. But I know one thing for sure: tomorrow I will play more minutes and try to help the team win.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
