MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks risk ending their nine straight playoff appearances. They sit 11th in the East with an 18–25 record. That slide pushes Giannis Antetokounmpo toward the exit door. He has looked like a shadow of himself over the past few games. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shooting ‘slump’ has coincided with a tough period for the Bucks.
Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Explains Recent Shooting Slump
The Bucks lost 122–102 on Wednesday to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder missed several rotation players due to injuries. The Bucks have dropped four of their last five games. Each of their past three losses came by at least 18 points. Giannis has taken 13 or fewer field goal attempts in his past four games. He attempted 11 shots against Oklahoma City.
Giannis Sounds the Alarm
Reporters asked the two-time MVP about the team’s struggles after the game. He did not mince words.
“We’re not playing hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We aren’t doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of the right shot for the team. Guys try to do it on their own. At times, I feel like when we’re down 10, down 15, down 20, we try to make it up in one play. It’s not going to work.”
New Pressure on a Reluctant Leader
This situation cannot continue. The Bucks will need to rely even more on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s shooting and playmaking. Kevin Porter Jr. suffered an oblique injury. His return date remains unknown. This puts Giannis in an unfamiliar role. He must now demand the ball more aggressively.
“I’m not the guy that will yell and cuss his teammate out and demand the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’ve never done that in my career. But I’ve played with teammates who understand the gravity I create for the team. I can create for teammates and for myself. I can help the team be more successful. But maybe for some reason, I don’t understand. Maybe because we’re young. Because we’re not playing well. Maybe because guys think it’s their turn. They want to carry the team on their back and try to turn this around. But I really don’t get it. I really don’t.”
Still an All-Star, Still in Demand
Antetokounmpo averages 28 points, about 10 rebounds, and nearly six assists in under 30 minutes per game. The league named him an All-Star starter this week. Trade rumors continue to link him to Golden State. New York also lurks.
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