By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The biggest change since the Milwaukee Bucks launched a winning streak stretching to 15 games Tuesday evening is rising to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. But building good habits to use them in the Playoffs is the main goal reiterated by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“We were a younger team, never been in that position before, so obviously we were very happy about it,” the Freak referred to the 18 straight wins marking the 2019-20 season, “Now at the end of the day, that year did we win a championship? We didn’t. I can still tell my kids and my grandkids that we won 18 in a row. It’s a great story. But at the end of the day, it’s a better story when from these 15 games you’re able to build good habits. Personally, it’s great. It’s great. I’m not gonna lie. Being able to be a team that won 15 in a row, it’s a great feeling, but it doesn’t matter if we lost five in a row.”
The Bucks extended the streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets on the road Tuesday.
“I’ve said this before, as long as we keep improving, keep building chemistry, keep playing together, keep competing, keep building championship-level mentality and mindset, no matter what we face, no matter what adversity we face, we’re just going to keep on going,” he added, “That’s all I care about.”
Antetokounmpo, 28, has been dealing with a wrist injury in recent weeks and missed Sunday’s win over the Phoenix Suns with a quad injury.
“When I went back home and I told my significant other oh, I’m hurting. She’s like ah, you’ll be all right. Because it’s like you never get hurt,” he commented on the injury setbacks, “I feel like when I’m hurt people don’t take me seriously. But, as I’ve said, for me to leave the game – which I don’t usually, typically never do – I’m in pain. But, at the end of the day, whatever I have to give, I give. That’s all I can do. Right now I know I have to put myself in a position to be healthy.”
Finally cleared to play without restrictions, he went for 33 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and one steal over 28 minutes in Barclays Center. He put in 12 points in the third quarter as the Bucks skipped past a sluggish start and pulled away for the win.
Up next is a home game opposite the Orlando Magic to complete the back-to-back Wednesday.
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