Giannis points to chemistry, selfish play for Bucks’ losses
MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo says chemistry issues could be contributing to the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent penchant for lopsided losses.
The Bucks lost 122-102 Wednesday to an Oklahoma City Thunder team that was missing a handful of rotation players due to injuries. The Bucks have lost four of their last five games. Each of their last three losses has been decided by at least 18 points.
Antetokounmpo was asked after the Oklahoma City game if he saw any commonalities between the blowout losses.
“We don’t play hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We’re not doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry isn’t there. Guys are selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys are trying to do it for themselves.
“Sometimes I feel like when we’re down 10, 15, 20, we’re trying to catch up in one play, and it’s not going to work.”
Milwaukee’s streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances is in jeopardy midway through the season, with the Bucks (18-25) sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference standings. They have never won more than two games in a row this season.
They’ll now have to get used to playing without Kevin Porter Jr., who ranks second on the team in points (16.8) and first in assists per game (7.4). Porter has an oblique strain that leaves his return date uncertain.
“He’s not going to play anytime soon, I can tell you that, but we don’t know how long he’ll be out,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said.
One thing that could help the Bucks is putting the ball in Antetokounmpo’s hands more often. The two-time MVP has 13 or fewer field goal attempts in his last four games, including 11 against Oklahoma City.
“I’m not the type to yell and insult my teammate and demand the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “I’ve never done that in my career. But I feel like I’ve played with teammates that kind of understand the gravity that I can cause our team, how I can create for my teammates and for myself, and how I can help the team be more successful.
“But maybe for some reason I don’t understand – maybe because we’re young, maybe because we’re not playing well, maybe because the guys think it’s their turn, they want to carry the team on their back and try to turn things around – but I really don’t understand. I really don’t understand.”
Antetokounmpo said he tried to play aggressively and relayed something he heard from others.
“They told me there was what we call the white swan and the black swan, that you have to be the black swan, be more aggressive and demand the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “It’s something I haven’t done, I’ve never done in my entire career. Maybe I need to do more.”
