Following the Milwaukee Bucks’ 118-100 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked why his team gets off to slow starts in games compared to other playoff contenders.
“I don’t know. I think being complacent, getting comfortable,” the two-time MVP replied. “We expect … I don’t know. People are going to give us a game. It doesn’t work that way. I think you’ve got to go out there and take it.
Based on a few NBA betting sites, the Bucks have the second best odds to win the championship in 2023. Several sportsbooks are giving the Boston Celtics the best odds to win the Eastern Conference.
I asked Giannis Antetokounmpo why he thinks postgame bucks have been slow lately. He answered at length, saying that he thought they were a little careless to begin with, but concluding that he was not concerned about the couple’s losing streak. pic.twitter.com/u98821nl7Z
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) December 24, 2022
“You have to go out there and play good basketball, build good habits, defend and compete,” the Bucks star added. “At the end of the day, I don’t think anyone can give you anything in life.
“You don’t take things for granted in life because you’re prettier or smarter than anyone else or because you’re cooler than anyone else. You have to go out and grab it…”
Giannis Antetokounmpo said the Bucks should take what they want, not play down their competition
In 27 starts this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging a career-high 31.4 points, along with 11.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.0 blocks per game. Additionally, while logging 33.1 minutes per game, the Greek Freak is also shooting 54.1% from the floor.
On Wednesday, during the Bucks’ 114-106 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the 10-year veteran scored a game-high 45 points in 40 minutes of action. In addition to grabbing 14 rebounds, the forward shot 17-of-27 (63%) from the field.
Despite back-to-back losses, Milwaukee trails the Celtics for the top seed in the Eastern half. The Bucks are averaging 112.5 points per game, which ranks 17th overall. Meanwhile, they are allowing a fifth-best 109.2 points per game. For comparison, Boston ranks 13th, giving up 112.2 points per contest.
No one can give you anything. You have to go get it. pic.twitter.com/t6KX3xfj0q
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) December 24, 2022
Besides consistency, Giannis Antetokounmpo believes trusting his teammates is key. “Sometimes I feel… I trust my team, I trust my teammates, I trust the guys. And I believe in what we’ve built here,” the six-time All-Star said.
But I think sometimes we’re in a place where I don’t know, we go out there and think, ‘They’re going to give us the game today.’ that’s it. It doesn’t work that way… and even though we’ve lost twice in a row now, he’s not worried. I don’t worry at all. Chris will be back…”
Middleton has missed the past four games with a knee injury and a sprained left ankle. The 2021 NBA champion has played seven games so far this season. The Bucs are definitely a better team if Middleton is healthy.
