Giannis Antetokounmpo frustrated by Bucks’ effort in blowout loss

Apr 3, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) gets ready to play the Memphis Grizzlies at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks snapped a six-game losing streak on Thursday but were right back to their losing ways on Friday night, and superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo is not at all happy about it.

Fresh off ending their longest losing streak since 2015, the Bucks were blown out by the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, 116-94, leading Antetokounmpo to express his frustration with the team’s lack of effort.

“Did we compete the previous game? Yes. Did we compete the two (games before that)? Yes. Did we compete today? No,” he said, via ESPN. “If you don’t compete your ass off, you’re not going to win the game. At least give yourself a chance.

“We came to New York after playing great last night. Then we come here and lose by 30. Are you OK with not competing? I’m not OK with that s—. We’ve got Boston in two days. We don’t compete, we’re going to lose by 30.”

The Knicks recorded seven offensive rebounds in the first quarter, which drew the ire of both Antetokounmpo and head coach Doc Rivers. They were also critical of the team’s efforts on loose balls, where the Knicks displayed a great ferocity.

“At the end of the day, we’ve got to compete,” said Antetokounmpo. “Teams are not just going to give us games. They’re not going to feel bad for us.

“We’ve got to compete every single possession. Every loose ball, we’ve got to get a body on the floor and put it on the line. But we didn’t compete at all.”

Antetokounmpo finished the game with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Bucks recorded 41 rebounds collectively, but the only other play to log more than five was guard Damian Lillard.