In the absence of Thanasis Antetokounmpo and how crucial his presence is, in Milwaukee Bucksmentioned the John Antetokounmpo after the home victory of the “deer” over the Spurs with 130-94.
Also, speaking about the 1st place in the regular season of the NBA, the Greek superstar emphasized that his clear desire is health and avoiding injuries within the team.
John’s statements in detail:
On Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s return and his contribution to the Bucks: “Everyone, not just Thanasis, when they need time away from the team for whatever reason I think the organization gives that leeway. Having my brother with us is great for me. Basically not just for me, but for everyone. In the missing games we had no energy.
He’s a great person and his energy is always high, checking on everyone, talking to everyone. When the coaches have a system or a plan he talks to all the players about how we play, he explains things to them He is very focused on the game. The first few times you hear him and then you take him for granted. In the games he was absent, the team was quiet. No one was talking and everyone was wondering where he was. Then you understand how it helps that it is constantly in your ear and reminding you to go to the post or to be aggressive or to help the defense, to be in the paint. That it speaks to everyone. It’s great and I’m glad he’s my brother. It’s a big part of what we do and I’m glad it’s back man».
“The couple of games that he wasn’t here, our energy was kind of off.”
Giannis speaks to the media about Thanasis’ impact. pic.twitter.com/HswEi9gGwo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 23, 2023
For the very good way the Bucks ended the first half: “I think we played good defense and in the last 3-4 minutes we made some easy layup baskets, made free threes, moved the ball around and got momentum from it. Spurs move the ball around a lot. I know their record is not good, but they play hard. They move the ball quickly, they create the advantage. They were playing really hard, but in the last 3 minutes of the second period we were able to run, we had spaces and we made some threes, we made some steals, we got some rebounds. So we came out with a lead in the 3rd period, started making defensive changes and did what we wanted to do».
For 1st place in the regular season, but also health, which is a priority ahead of the playoffs: “If you have to choose between 1st rank or health, I’ll take health, any day. I think that if we are all healthy, then regardless of where we finish, 3rd, 4th, 5th, we have a chance. I think our team is very good, we are playing at a high level, we are building good habits and we have 10 more games to build even better. I’ll pick this team over anyone.
We are close though. We are No. 1 and we have to take the position. It’s always good to have a Game 7 at home, I don’t think I’ve ever played a Game 7 in Milwaukee, I’ve played three Game 7s on the road. I think having the #1 seed in the NBA and not just the East is a good feeling because we’ll have home court advantage. But the first priority is to be healthy and the second is to finish with the best record in the NBA. I never believed in the positions and their importance, but since we are there now we have to take the first position».
On the Bucks’ dominance and his in the 2nd and 3rd periods with the Spurs and what changed: “I just want to get better. To build good habits. To have fun, to be aggressive. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. It’s that simple. I just want to improve».
On how important it is that the starters were rested in the 4th period given that they are on a 4-game road streak: “Do we have four games in a row? Wow. Four? I thought we only had Utah and Denver. I need to take more clothes with me. You ruined my night. What was the question? It doesn’t make a difference to me if I play in the 3rd or 4th period, it’s the same for my body. I feel just as tired. I hope we go to these games, build good habits, play good basketball and get wins».
On whether Budenholzer ever tells stories from his time with the Spurs or Tim Duncan to inspire him: “No. I think the first year we were together he called him “Timmy” and how he worked with his teammates. But he hasn’t told me many stories. This is our 6th season together. He doesn’t tell stories anymore».
On how he feels about seeing Mamukelasvili as an opponent: “I am very happy for him. He’s playing, he’s doing whatever it takes for his team, he’s getting better and I’m happy he’s taking advantage of the opportunity. He has many years ahead of him and he needs to keep working, stay humble and he will have a bright future. I would like him to be with us because I think he is a very good player and he plays the right way. But I’m happy for him, and also for Nuora, who are with the Pacers and get this opportunity. I’d rather they be on our team and not rivals, but you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do».
Edited by: Christos Lois
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
