(Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks were the favorites going into Thursday night’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
After all, the Grizzlies had a 19-36 record and the Bucks had one of 35-20.
However, the short-handed Grizzlies were able to beat the Bucks, 113-110, giving Milwaukee one of their most embarrassing losses of the season.
Following the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo spoke to The Athletic about the defeat and what it meant to him and the team.
“Enough with the, ‘our s— don’t-stink’ mentality. Do we really want it? Are we putting in the work?” Antetokounmpo asked.
All season long, the Bucks have talked about trying to win a championship.
But now, as Milwaukee heads for the All-Star break, Giannis Antetokounmpo has found himself wondering if the team’s play matches its stated desire.
@eric_nehm https://t.co/3bQLXNjXyn pic.twitter.com/Mcz7GDmheG
— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) February 16, 2024
Antetokounmpo tried his hardest for the team, scoring 35 points and 12 assists and going 15-of-17 from the field.
Damian Lillard chipped in in a big way too, scoring 24 points and 7 assists.
But even with more help from other players, it wasn’t enough to slow down Ziaire Williams, GG Jackson II, and the rest of the depleted Grizzlies roster.
The Bucks are now 3-7 in their last ten games under Doc Rivers and there are concerns that they are only getting worse as the season goes on.
Their plan has always been to return to the NBA Finals but fans are growing worried that this won’t be possible if they keep giving up games like this one.
The inclusion of Lillard during the last offseason was supposed to improve the team in multiple ways.
While it has helped them on the offensive end of the court, the team is still lacking in a big way when it comes to defense.
The Bucks now have some days off because of the All-Star Game, which will give them time to assess where they are and how to move forward.
It’s time for them to answer the questions that Antetokounmpo just asked.
Will this loss to the Grizzlies be a wake-up call for the Bucks or the start of a painful losing streak?
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