Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo praised his team’s effort after a 112-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Monday at State Farm Arena. “Feels good that we were able to get a win. Overall I think we moved the ball well at times but again we can’t put ourselves in position like that,” Giannis said.
He acknowledged the Hawks’ resilience after Milwaukee surrendered a 23-point lead. “I think we allow them to believe in get back to the game which we don’t want to do that. They’re a very very good offensive team. They have professional scorers. They have guys that can get downhill,” Giannis explained.
Antetokounmpo credited his teammates for their contributions down the stretch. “A lot of guys did a lot of good things for us to be able to win the game today. From like Pete N, from Ryan, from Kuz, from Bobby, from Myles, from Scoot,” he said. He added that finding open teammates in critical moments was key: “Yeah, you got to make the right play… one time AJ was open and the other time Bob was open in the corner and both of them make the shot, which I’m happy.”
The 10-time All-Star reflected on reaching the milestone. “If I probably tell that myself when I was young that’ be 10 times all-star I probably not believe it… I always one of my goals as player was to be a 10-time All-Star and I’m very happy that I’ve accomplished it. I want to thank everybody that helped me… I want to thank God for keeping me healthy, for keeping me hungry,” he said.
Giannis also shared his perspective on the All-Star format change to World versus US. “It doesn’t really matter what the format’s going to be. I know that whenever I have a chance to be on the court and play among the best, I will always compete. I’m excited to go out there, put on a show,” he said, adding that his children enjoy watching him compete.
Addressing the recent trade rumors and fan tensions in Milwaukee, Giannis said, “Yeah, can’t control that then I can’t control what other teams do man. I just try to focus on my job… Felt great. For some reason I enjoy being the villain this year, even with your own fans… It makes my motor go more, it makes me hungry.”
On facing rising star Jalen Johnson, Giannis praised the young forward. “I see greatness in him for sure. I think he’s one of the best young talents in this league… The sky is the limit for him and just got to stay humble and stay hungry,” he said.
Giannis also highlighted the impact of the Bucks’ lineup changes. “Just Kuz keeps on making that… he can initiate offense, play off the ball… It doesn’t really matter who starts, what matters is who finishes the game. The last six minutes, that’s when the best players are able to initiate and give their team a win.”
Milwaukee improves to 18-24, with Giannis leading the team with 21 points and 17 rebounds. Atlanta falls to 20-25, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker scoring 32 and Jalen Johnson adding 28 points and 16 rebounds. Both teams play again on Wednesday.
