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Jamal Collier
MILWAUKEE — Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo recognized that Tuesday’s 121-111 win against the New York Knicks held added importance, primarily because the Knicks had swept the Bucks during last season’s matchups.
Indeed, New York finished 3-0 against Milwaukee last season, winning those encounters by an average of 22 points, a fact that weighed on Antetokounmpo as he prepared for this game.
«They were significantly better than us last year and we didn’t challenge them,» Antetokounmpo stated after he scored 37 points, collected eight rebounds, and provided seven assists. «It was relatively straightforward in my view. And as the leader of this team, I remember. I don’t overlook things and I aim to, right from the shootaround, set the tone for the team and remind them, last year they swept us.»
Milwaukee’s difficulties extended to all top teams in the conference last season, finishing 0-9 against the East’s top three seeds (Cleveland, Boston, and New York). However, on Tuesday, the Bucks established a different mindset, overcoming a 14-point deficit in the first half to secure a comeback victory.
Antetokounmpo spearheaded the surge with an impressive third quarter, scoring 14 points and handing out four assists as the Bucks outscored the Knicks 35-20. During one pivotal moment in the third, Antetokounmpo blocked a layup attempt from Mikal Bridges and then soared for a dunk on the opposite end. As he confidently strode up the court, he gestured to the crowd.
«This is my city. I excel when it’s challenging,» Antetokounmpo recalled expressing. «I flourish under pressure. When you make it tough, I excel.»
Antetokounmpo, who became the first player in league history to score 30 points with a 60% FG in each of his first four games of a season, later added that he didn’t attribute any greater significance to his comments beyond being caught up in the excitement.
Antetokounmpo has been linked to the Knicks following a report over the summer from ESPN’s Shams Charania indicating that Antetokounmpo viewed New York as the only potential destination he would consider outside of Milwaukee. The two sides had brief discussions about trades that ultimately didn’t progress.
Nevertheless, Antetokounmpo preferred not to delve into offseason rumors on Tuesday, noting his attention was fixed on basketball and the Bucks’ upcoming game against the Warriors on Thursday.
«What matters right now is that we have a game in two days against Golden State,» he stated. «We need to stay focused and aim for two wins in a row.»
