The Milwaukee Bucks have entered a phase of mounting frustration following their 116-94 defeat to the New York Knicks, which has left their record at a challenging 2-7 at the beginning of the season. In a post-game interview, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed discontent with the team's performance, asserting that they failed to 'compete.' He pointedly asked, 'Did we compete today? No. If you don't compete your ass off, you're not going to win the game.' Antetokounmpo emphasized the need for a strong competitive effort, stating, 'We came to New York after playing great last night. Then we come here and lose by 30. Are you OK with not competing? I'm not OK with that.' With a game against the Boston Celtics looming, he warned that continued lack of effort might result in similar outcomes.
In this contest, the Bucks had a challenging task, playing on the second night of a back-to-back after a strong performance against the Utah Jazz. In that game, Antetokounmpo and his new teammate Damian Lillard delivered an impressive offensive showing, combining for 65 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists. However, the context of the Jazz's current standing as a struggling team raises questions about the sustainability of the Bucks' momentum. Against the Knicks, however, the Bucks were unable to replicate their earlier success. Their opponents showcased a balanced attack with all five starters contributing in double figures, particularly Karl-Anthony Towns, who led the Knicks with 32 points.
A concerning trend for the Bucks this season has been their reliance on the performances of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. While Antetokounmpo scored 24 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, his struggles at the free-throw line remained evident, as he made just 2 of 6 attempts, bringing his season average down to a career-low 54.9 percent. Lillard, meanwhile, logged his second-lowest scoring output of the season with 19 points, shooting 6 of 15 from the field and failing to convert on any of his four three-point attempts. The overall offensive contributions from the rest of the starting lineup were minimal, as they collectively managed just 13 points, with no player attempting more than five shots. As the Bucks continue to navigate the early season without key player Khris Middleton, who remains sidelined indefinitely due to recovery from offseason surgeries on both ankles, their prospects appear increasingly uncertain. With a record that places them tied with the Toronto Raptors for the third-worst in the NBA, the upcoming matchup against the Celtics on Sunday is crucial for the Bucks as they seek to regain their competitive edge.
