Giannis Antetokounmpo 'Frustrated' With Bucks Amid Awful Start To Season

11/09/2024 11:38 AM

The Milwaukee Bucks fell to 2-7 on the season with Friday's loss to the New York Knicks.

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 24 points and Damian Lillard scored 19, but their efforts weren't enough to avoid a 116-94 defeat at Madison Square Garden.

The Bucks' struggles have been clear and obvious so far this season, and it appears Antetokounmpo's patience is beginning to wear thin. The two-time league MVP spoke about the team's poor start after Friday's game, and he didn't hold back.

"As a leader of this team, your head cannot be down," he began.

"You can be frustrated at times, for sure. I'm frustrated. If you're not frustrated with losing, get the [expletive] out of here. Simple as that. But at the end of the day, we have another one in two days. We've got to be ready."

The Knicks were able to grab 14 offensive rebounds in Friday's game, giving them the chance to extend possessions and look for high-percentage shots. New York also moved the ball more efficiently than the Bucks did, collecting 35 assists in the game while the Bucks only had 20.

"If you're gonna go out there and you're not going to compete, you're not going to win the game," Antetokounmpo said.

"Sometimes you compete your ass off and you don't win the game, but at least you give yourself a chance. We played great last night. We came to New York, we lost by 30. We didn't compete. Are we OK with not competing? I don't know. I'm not OK with that [expletive]."

The Bucks have attempted to capitalize on Antetokounmpo's prime and championship window with aggressive personnel moves.

The team traded Jrue Holiday last season in order to acquire Damian Lillard, but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs after both Lillard and Antetokounmpo were hurt.

Milwaukee also fired head coach Adrian Griffin after last season's struggles, replacing him with former NBA champion Doc Rivers. 

The Bucks have taken big swings in search of a second championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those risky moves have yet to pay off.

Milwaukee is one of the worst teams in the NBA to start the new season at 2-7.

They'll look to get back on the right track Sunday, but they'll be up against last season's champions, the Boston Celtics.

Related: Fans Want NBA To Discipline Mavericks Star Luka Doncic For Ridiculous Flop