MILWAUKEE — Giannis Antetokounmpo suggests that issues with team chemistry may be leading to the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent trend of significant losses.
The Bucks suffered a 122-102 defeat on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who were without several rotation players due to injuries. Milwaukee has now lost four of their last five games, with their three most recent defeats coming by at least 18 points.
After the game against Oklahoma City, Antetokounmpo was asked about any recurring themes in the one-sided losses.
“We’re not playing hard,” Antetokounmpo explained. “We’re not making the right plays. We’re not focused on winning. We’re not functioning as a unit. Our chemistry is lacking. Players are being selfish, looking for their own shots rather than the best shot for the team. Everyone seems to be trying to go solo.”
“Sometimes, when we’re down by 10, 15, or even 20, we attempt to recover in a single play, and that just won’t work.”
Milwaukee’s streak of nine consecutive playoff appearances is at risk as the season reaches its midpoint, with the Bucks sitting at 18-25, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference. They haven’t managed to win more than two consecutive games this season.
They will now have to adjust to playing without Kevin Porter Jr., who is second on the team in scoring (16.8 points) and leads in assists per game (7.4). Porter is dealing with an oblique strain, leaving his return uncertain.
“He won’t be playing anytime soon, that’s for sure, but we don’t know how long he’ll be sidelined,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers commented.
One way to potentially improve the team’s performance would be to get the ball into Antetokounmpo’s hands more frequently. The two-time MVP has had 13 or fewer field goal attempts in his last four games, including just 11 against Oklahoma City.
“I’m not the type of player to yell at my teammates or demand the ball,” Antetokounmpo stated. “I’ve never been that way throughout my career. But I believe I have played with teammates who recognize the impact I can offer our team, both in creating opportunities for others and for myself, enhancing our chances of success.”
“For some reason that I can’t quite grasp—perhaps it’s due to our youth or our current struggles, or maybe some players feel it’s their time to shine and want to take the lead in turning things around—I just don’t understand it. I truly don’t.”
Antetokounmpo mentioned that he has been trying to play more aggressively and shared insights he received from others.
“They mentioned this concept of the white swan and the black swan, indicating that I need to embrace my black swan side and be more assertive in demanding the ball,” Antetokounmpo reflected. “It’s something I haven’t done and have not incorporated into my game throughout my career. Perhaps it’s time to change that.”
