The Milwaukee Bucks are in the midst of a difficult phase of the season—and Giannis Antetokounmpo is not mincing his words. After the defeat against the Atlanta Hawks, the superstar publicly questioned his team’s mentality.
The 31-year-old’s frustration was already evident during the game. Late in the game, Antetokounmpo was called for a technical foul after throwing the ball against the basket support in anger. “I was a little frustrated,” he explained afterwards. “When you’re down by 11 or 12 points, you just have to play smart, find the best shot and be in the right place. In the end, we all have to be on the same page.“
With regard to the Bucks’ current situation – Milwaukee is currently ranked only eleventh in the Eastern Conference – Antetokounmpo called for more determination from the team. ”It’s about spirit. What are you playing for?” said the two-time MVP. “We have to decide: Do we want to wave the white flag and admit defeat, or do we want to come together in the last 21 games and try to make one last push?”
“I’m only human”: Giannis still searching for form
Antetokounmpo emphasized that individual actions would not be enough to make up for lost ground. “Good teams don’t work that way,” he said. “You have to keep working step by step.”
The forward also spoke openly about his own situation after a five-week break due to a calf injury. Although he is already showing strong moments again, he is still in the process of regaining his form. “I have to give myself some time,” Antetokounmpo explained. “I often think I’m a machine, but I’m only human.” In 32 games so far this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists. He has already described the Bucks’ next game against the Utah Jazz as a “must-win.”