Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 121-111 while posting 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Antetokounmpo yelled “This is my city” as he made his way to the bench after a Knicks’ timeout in the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo was playing against the Knicks for the first time since a report in October indicated he had some level of interest in playing for New York if he were to be traded by the Bucks.
“Who said that?” said Antetokounmpo when asked about the report. “I don’t read that. I don’t remember that. Right now. I’m here representing my team. And that’s it. We beat the Knicks. That’s all. Doesn’t really matter. What matters is we have a game in two days against Golden State. Try to stay locked in and get two in a row. But I didn’t read that article. I try to stay away from all that rumors – what do you call it? Speculation, trades and all this. It doesn’t concern me one bit. I try to involve myself (in my play) and I try to win games.”
Antetokounmpo was asked if there was anything extra for him to have that type of performance against the Knicks.
“For sure. There was a lot extra. They swept us last year. Swept us,” Antetokounmpo answered, taking the question in a different direction. “They were way better than us last year. And we didn’t make it tough for them. It was very easy, in my opinion. And as the leader of this team, I remember. I don’t forget things.
“And I try to – from early at shootaround – set the tone for the team and try to remind them, ‘Last year, they swept us. Same as the Cavs.’ So, I think the team responded in the best way. So I’m happy.”
Antetokounmpo becomes eligible for a contract extension in 2026 ahead of a potential free agency in 2027.