Antetokounmpo Calls for ‘Winning Mentality’ as Bucks Drop Seventh Straight
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NEW YORK — Giannis Antetokounmpo returned to the Milwaukee Bucks lineup on Friday night and delivered 30 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists, yet the effort could not stop a 118-109 defeat to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The loss extended Milwaukee’s skid to seven games, the club’s longest since March 2014.
Playing for the first time in four contests after a groin strain, Antetokounmpo logged 28 minutes under a medical restriction. The Bucks (8-12) now sit 11th in the Eastern Conference, two games outside the play-in zone.
Speaking at his locker long after the final horn, the two-time MVP urged teammates to shelve individual goals and restore a collective edge. He said the roster must “worry only about winning” and focus on defense, rebounding and ball movement rather than personal statistics.
Antetokounmpo noted that missed shots have been affecting players’ energy, insisting that a few failed attempts cannot dictate an entire game. He also emphasized the need for better spacing to create driving lanes for himself and guard Ryan Rollins, which he believes will generate open three-pointers.
The Bucks have played four of the seven losses without their superstar. During the slide, head coach Doc Rivers has repeatedly cited turnovers, opponent offensive rebounds and excessive fouling as decisive factors. On Friday, Milwaukee attempted 13 fewer field goals and eight fewer free throws than New York (12-6).
“It’s a numbers game,” Rivers said, explaining that winning the possession battle is critical, especially when Antetokounmpo is available. The coach added that limiting the forward’s minutes was difficult but necessary for his recovery.
The Bucks return to Milwaukee to face the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday, completing a back-to-back. Antetokounmpo, who said he felt strong in his first game back, expects to play a longer stint against Brooklyn.
Source: ESPN
