Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was in no mood to deal with angry fans or snappy reporters following Friday night’s 116-94 loss to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Giannis Antetokounmpo blasts Milwaukee Bucks after losing for the seventh time in eight games
During his postgame media availability, a frustrated Antetokounmpo sent a message to not only his fellow teammates but also impatient reporters who demand time with the eight-time All-Star.
Antetokounmpo felt the Bucks, who were winners of two of their last three games entering Friday’s matchup, had given maximum effort against an undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers team and the Utah Jazz.
Giannis to someone off camera in the Bucks locker room:
“Hey man if you don't wanna be here you can leave.” 😳
(h/t @fnsnfndns)pic.twitter.com/HsT02f9YTd
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 9, 2024
Antetokounmpo finished with 34 points on 15-of-27 (55.6%) shooting against Cleveland and 31 points on 11-of-21 (52.4%) versus Utah. However, despite putting up 24 points, the 12-year veteran thought Milwaukee slacked off in the Big Apple.
“Did we compete the previous game? Yes. Did we compete the two previous games, Cavs and Jazz? Yes. Did we compete today? No. … If you don’t compete your ass off, you’re not going to win the game,” Antetokounmpo said. “[You have to] at least give yourself a chance.”
Antetokounmpo calls out reporter
Milwaukee hasn’t had a losing record since the 2015-16 season, when the Bucks went 33-59 (.402) under then-head coach Jason Kidd. Now eight seasons later, a 2-7 start is already taking a toll on the team.
“We came to New York after playing great last night. Then we come here and lose by 30,” he added. “Are we OK with not competing? I’m not OK with that s—t. We’ve got Boston in two days. We don’t compete, we’re going to lose by 30. Simple as that.”
While answering one reporter’s question about the Bucks’ lack of paint protection, Antetokounmpo then paused mid-response to scold another reporter.
“Hey man, if you don’t want to be here, you can leave,” Antetokounmpo said. “If you don’t want to be here, you can leave. I’m being honest with you.”
The Bucks fell to 1-5 on the road for the season, and the Knicks never trailed. New York led by as many as 30 points after starting the fourth quarter on a 22-11 run.
