Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed his frustration following Wednesday’s 131-113 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Fiserv Forum.
“I was a little bit frustrated. I feel like when you’re down 11 or 12, you just got to play smart, try to get the best shot possible,” Antetokounmpo said after receiving a technical foul for throwing the ball against the stanchion late in the game.
The reigning MVP emphasized the need for collective effort during runs. “You cannot come back to the game with one possession if you’re down 10. It’s possession after possession after possession,” he explained.
Giannis acknowledged the team’s defensive lapses. “Defending the three-point line… we did that in the first half and the first quarter very well. After that, they were able to get in the paint, move the ball, find open shots,” he said.
He stressed the importance of rebounding and physicality. “We cannot just rely on Jericho. Everybody has to put their body in the paint and try to get the ball,” Antetokounmpo said.
The forward highlighted the team’s competitive spirit as a key factor. “We have guys that can move their feet, switch, are tough, and we just got to get our competitive spirit up,” he said.
Reflecting on the Bucks’ offensive inconsistency, Giannis pointed to strategy differences. “You got to get in the paint, then create open threes. If we just swing the ball on the perimeter and shoot, it’s harder. Drive and kick gives more energy behind the shot,” he explained.
Antetokounmpo also discussed his own return from injury. “I just got to give myself more grace. I came back after five weeks… I’m human. I’m going to make mistakes, turn the ball over, but the more comfortable I get, the more I can help my team,” he said.
He praised his teammates’ abilities and growth. “I love playing with him. He plays it our way, gets to his spot, can facilitate for the team, defend, play hard, and he’s intelligent. I know exactly what to expect from him,” Giannis said, referring to a younger teammate.
The Bucks fell to 26-35, losing their fourth straight game by a combined 97 points, while Atlanta improved to 32-31 behind 23 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, 21 from Onyeka Okongwu, and 20 from Jalen Johnson.
Milwaukee looks to rebound against the Utah Jazz on Saturday, with Giannis emphasizing the need for consistency on both ends of the floor.
