By Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
Still as formidable on an individual level, Giannis Antetokounmpo has nevertheless seen his Bucks collapse in recent weeks. As the final sprint of the regular season approaches, he therefore wanted to confront his partners with their responsibilities.
Despite a slight delay in starting, they had no real reason to complain about their ranking or their level of play. Their leaders, however, decided to turn everything upside down. At mid-season, the Bucks were in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference with a satisfactory record of 28-13. Flagship recruit of the offseason, Damian Lillard was beginning to find his bearings and display his former level.
It is approximately in this context that Milwaukee decided to part ways with its coach, Adrian Griffin, and replace him with Doc Rivers. A surprising choice which for the moment does not at all prove the franchise’s leadership right. The latter has only won 3 of its 10 matches played under the orders of its new coach. Suffice to say that she did not approach the All-Star Break in joy and good humor.
Giannis’ scathing criticism of the Bucks
Relegated to 3rd place in their conference and more than ever under threat from their pursuers, the Bucks (35-21) no longer really scare anyone in the NBA. This, despite the always commendable efforts of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is struggling to lead his team in his wake. Subject of a recent interview with The Athleticthe Greek therefore did not mince his words when summarizing the current context:
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I have to make sure I keep fighting. If I have to talk more during video sessions like I have been doing since the beginning of the season, if I have to grab the damn board and write something — whatever. I just can’t let an opportunity like this slip away. I don’t want to look back and say, “Damn, I had good teams and I didn’t make the most of them.” »
We need to stop feeling sorry for ourselves. It tires me. We need to stop doing this. Things are not going to be given to us. We have to go get them. Before, I played with guys who never did that. They came, did their job, went home, came back to do their job and so on. This is what we have to do. We are not doing it at the moment, but I hope we will get there.
You will have understood, Giannis is having a hard time with the dark period that Milwaukee is going through and does not intend to let it continue for too long. This will obviously require good performances from him, but especially from his supporting cast, who too often fail at the end of the season. And first of all during this Friday’s clash which will pit the Greek Freak and his gang against the Timberwolves.
Quite annoyed by the current situation of his team, Giannis Antetokounmpo calls for a general awakening of the Bucks for the rest of the season. An incisive but perhaps saving message for Doc Rivers’ men.
2024-02-21 20:47:31
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