Giannis Antetokounmpo’s frustration in Bucks locker room goes viral | Sporting News

The Milwaukee Bucks dropped to 2-7 following a 116-94 loss in New York on Friday night. The Knicks never trailed in the game.

Already without Khris Middleton, Gary Trent Jr. was also inactive while Delon Wright didn’t play. Coach Doc Rivers started Andre Jackson in place of Trent. Brook Lopez was exposed by Karl-Anthony Towns throughout the night. In an answer to why Lopez started off on Towns, Rivers shared that he doesn’t want to ask too much of Giannis Antetokounmpo by matching him up with the opposing team’s best offensive player.

Despite Trent shooting a low percentage from three, the Bucks were still missing his floor-spacing presence and only shot 23 percent from deep on the night. Sharpshooter AJ Green knocked down three of the Bucks’ seven threes. Also, Milwaukee’s lack of perimeter defenders was noticeable as they only recorded one steal, which was credited to Ryan Rollins.

The Knicks outscored the Bucks 18-8 in second chance points, along with 21-8 on the fast break. Furthermore New York outpaced Milwaukee 21-10 in points off turnovers, as the Bucks only forced seven turnovers in the game.

After the game, a frustrated Antetokounmpo was seen scolding somebody off-camera, “Hey man, if you don’t wanna be here, you can leave.”

According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, “That comment was directed at a New York media member.”

While this comment wasn’t made to a teammate or coach, it is clear that Antetokounmpo is growing increasingly frustrated with each mounting loss. The Greek Freak finished the night with 24 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks on 11 of 21 shooting. Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo only converted on two of his six free throw attempts.

It is an encouraging sign that Rivers is trying out new rotations, even though his hand may have been forced with the Trent and Middleton injuries. Additionally, he did play the likes of Rollins, Green, and Jackson over a veteran guard in Wright. However, Bobby Portis was largely ineffective against the Knicks, and shot 1-of-8 from the field. Postgame, Rivers continued to express confidence in the bucket-getting forward. Alarmingly, the Bucks’ next game is Sunday afternoon against the defending champion Boston Celtics.

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