Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo commended his team’s performance after edging out the Atlanta Hawks 112-110 on Monday at State Farm Arena.
“Feels good that we were able to get a win. Overall I think we moved the ball well at times but again we can’t put ourselves in position like that,” remarked the Bucks superstar.
He acknowledged the Hawks’ resilience after Milwaukee surrendered a 23-point lead.
“I think we allow them to believe in get back to the game which we don’t want to do that. They’re a very very good offensive team. They have professional scorers. They have guys that can get downhill,” explained the Greek Freak.
Antetokounmpo highlighted his teammates’ impact in the crucial moments. He praised contributions from players like Pete Nance, Ryan Rollins, Kyle Kuzma, Bobby Portis, Myles Turner and Kevin Porter Jr. who came off the bench for the first time while wearing a Bucks uniform.
Giannis Antetokounmpo on becoming a 10x All-Star
Feb 19, 2023; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo at press conference at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis also reflected on the milestone of becoming a 10 time All Star, “If I probably told myself when I was young, that’d be 10 times All-Star, I probably would not believe it. I think when I came to the league, I had this meeting with John Hammond and Dave Morway, the GM and assistant GM of the Bucks, and they told me, ‘Hey, look at all these guys—Paul Pierce, Tracy McGrady. They’ve been 10-time All-Stars. You can be one of those guys.’ And I’m like, ‘You really believe that?’ He was like, ‘Yeah, if you work hard and you have the tools to be one of those guys.’”
“I kind of took that and installed it in my heart. I never said it publicly, but one of my goals as a player was to be a 10-time All-Star, and I’m very happy that I accomplished it,” Giannis said.
Giannis also shared his thoughts on the All Star format shift to a World versus United States matchup.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball past Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter in the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
“It doesn’t really matter what the format’s going to be. I know that whenever I have a chance to be on the court and play among the best, I will always compete. I’m excited to go out there, put on a show,” remarked the European superstar.
Milwaukee moved to 18-24 behind Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Atlanta dropped to 20-25. Both teams return to action on Wednesday.