On Wednesday night, the Bucks’ season came to an end with a loss to the Heat. Following the heartbreaking result, Giannis Antetokounmpo was asked if the 2022-23 season will be viewed as a failure.
Antetokounmpo didn’t just disagree with the reporter’s question, he provided an elaborate answer as to why this season wasn’t a failure in his eyes.
“It’s not a failure; it’s steps to success,” Antetokounmpo said. “There’s always steps to it. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships. The other nine years was a failure? That’s what you’re telling me?
“It’s a wrong question; there’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days. Some days you’re able to be successful, some days you’re not. Some days it’s your turn, some days it’s not your turn. And that’s what sports is about. You don’t always win. Sometimes other people win. And this year somebody else is going to win, simple as that.”
Basketball fans applauded this response from Antetokounmpo.
Giannis is outstanding: “There’s no failure in sports. There’s good days, bad days, some days you are able to be successful, some days you are not, some days it is your turn, some days it’s not. That’s what sports is about. You don’t always win.” pic.twitter.com/aTnFpnGtdx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 27, 2023
In reality, this was a disappointing finish to a productive season for the Bucks. But like Antetokounmpo said, Michael Jordan didn’t win a championship every year he was in the league.
Hardships are a part of sports, and now, the Bucks will have to use this playoff exit as a learning lesson for the 2023-24 season.