The Milwaukee Bucks’ 112-108 loss to the Houston Rockets on Saturday upset Giannis Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee had lost three of their previous four games. Their only escape from a four-game losing streak came on January 4th, when they defeated the San Antonio Spurs.
In the post-game interview, Antetokounmpo let out his anger following the Rockets’ narrow victory over the Bucks. All of the team needed to get better, he told reporters. Even the equipment manager needed “to wash our clothes better,” the two-time MVP continued.
Many believed that the Milwaukee Bucks would play better against the Utah Jazz on Monday after his acerbic remarks. The superstar’s remarks didn’t seem to make any impact, as Utah dominated the Bucks by the half, 77-46.
Several followers on Twitter/X responded right away:
“The equipment manager of the Bucks is having the last laugh.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo crushed the Houston Rockets with a double-double. In addition to 17 rebounds, two assists, and a game-high 48 points, he also had two blocks. In front of their supporters, Antetokounmpo finished with 25 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds in Monday’s 132-116 loss.
Throughout the entire season, Milwaukee’s defense has been its main problem. More of the same was on show tonight. In the first two quarters, the Bucks allowed 41 and 36 points, respectively. They were only able to manage two 23-point halves.
A furious comeback led by Giannis Antetokounmpo reduced the team’s 31-point halftime lead to 100-90 in the third quarter. It appeared as though the Milwaukee Bucks were prepared to finish their comeback when Fiserv Forum erupted. But the Jazz was not about to fade away. With around seven minutes remaining in the game, they led 109-92 after starting the final quarter on a 9-2 run.
The Bucks have only won once in their last five games and are on a two-game losing streak. They fell to 25-12, still trailing the Boston Celtics (28-8) in the Eastern Conference.
The Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo have a difficult three-game homestand coming up.
The Utah Jazz defeated Giannis Antetokounmpo and company in the first game of their four-game homestand. They won’t be getting any rest because the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings are their next three opponents.
Despite suffering a 133-131 away defeat to the Indiana Pacers, the Celtics have been performing admirably. Among the NBA’s top starting lineups are probably Derrick White, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown. If Milwaukee is unable to prevent the Celtics from scoring, it will have a hard road ahead of it.
Due to injuries and Draymond Green’s ongoing efforts to get back into shape after missing 12 games, the Warriors remain shorthanded. Green has been cleared to play again, but not until January 12. Golden State is a dangerous team to ignore when Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are on the court.
The Kings are yet another formidable foe for the Milwaukee Bucks, with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis leading the way. The matchup between Giannis Antetokounmpo and Sabonis will be the game’s highlight.
If the Bucks are to defeat the aforementioned clubs, they must perform better overall, even though Milwaukee’s equipment manager may need to make improvements.