Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Out ‘Selfish’ Bucks Teammates After Taking Only 11 Shots

Giannis Antetokounmpo calls out Bucks teammates for being selfish after their loss to the Thunder.

Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Out ‘Selfish’ Bucks Teammates After Taking Only 11 Shots

Giannis Antetokounmpo

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It looks like things have gone from bad to worse for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks this season. The Bucks suffered another humiliating 122-102 defeat to the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, at the Fiserv Forum on Wednesday night. Down by as much as 20 points in the first quarter, the Bucks never found a way back in another disappointing loss on home court.

The loss pushed the Bucks further away from the play-in spots as they suffered their 11th loss in 20 games at home. Their record stands at 18-25 as they currently sit at 11th place in the Eastern Conference standings, and are now 1.5 games behind the 10th seeds, Atlanta Hawks. Meanwhile, the Thunder improved their record to 37-8 and continues to be at the top of the Western Conference standings.

There were several reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo requested for a trade in the offseason, but nothing materialized. But after a poor start to the season, rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo wanting out started to resurface. The chaotic situation drew criticism from pundits, who believed that the Bucks forward is not being open about his needs.

After Wednesday’s loss, Antetokounmpo spoke to the media and was clearly unhappy with the team’s mentality and performance.

We’re not playing hard. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish. Guys trying to do it on their own. Right now I think we just don’t get it. We got 39 games left, we don’t have time. We really don’t.

The ‘Greek Freak’ had a back and forth with the home fans during their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves last week. The fans were disappointed with their team’s performance and made their feelings known by booing the team during halftime. But as Antetokounmpo said, there are 39 games to go; the Bucks need to regroup and find a way to start playing at a consistent level again.

Giannis Antetokounmpo took just 11 shots

The Thunder are known for their rigid defense and are undoubtedly the best defensive team in the league. But it is unacceptable for a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber to attempt just 11 shots in 31 minutes of action, highlighting how little he was involved in the attacking third.

The forward recorded 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists. Wheras, his counterpart and reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ended the game with 40 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists while going 16-19 from the field.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credits – New York Times)

When asked about his low shot attempts, Antetokounmpo believes the team lacks chemistry, and he needs to demand the ball more from now on.

I don’t understand. Maybe because we’re young. Maybe because we’re not playing well. Maybe because guys think it’s their turn. I really don’t get it. I really don’t. Maybe I gotta do it more (demand the ball).

There is no doubt that Antetokounmpo is the leader and the primary scorer of the team. The forward is currently averaging 28.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 64.7% shooting from the field. The former champion is one of the most efficient scorers in the game; hence, it is expected that he is given the ball more so that he has more scoring opportunities.

Teams are expecting Giannis Antetokounmpo to leave the Bucks

Rumors continue to surround Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks. Even though head coach Doc Rivers denied any trade request from the Greek forward, Antetokounmpo himself has come out and said he wishes to continue playing for the club and would never demand a trade.

However, American sportswriter for ESPN Brian Windhorst believes that teams are expecting Antetokounmpo to leave the Bucks.

I don’t want to antagonize Bucks fans, I really don’t mean to irritate them. But, it’s almost like a couple everybody in the league thinks will get divorced… teams do believe this is gonna be a divorce.

With Antetokounmpo in his 30s now, he is reaching the latter part of his prime. He will want to be in a team built around him that could compete for an NBA Championship, something the Bucks have not been able to do for him this season.

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