Giannis Antetokounmpo says Bucks need to step up against top teams

Milwaukee Bucks center Giannis Antetokounmpo urged his teammates to step up against top teams in the NBA. The Bucks suffered a 140-106 thrashing loss against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

After this loss, the Bucks went down 0-8 against the top three teams in the Eastern Conference and they certainly need to turn the tables.

“We’ve gotta get our stuff together. It’s as simple as that. We did not beat Boston. We did not beat the Cavs. We didn’t beat the Knicks,” Antetokounmpo said. “Those are the top three teams, and we’ve played horribly against them.”

Bucks are currently 20-17 in the ongoing season and Antetokounmpo said ought to be better in the upcoming matches.

“I think we’re a way better team [now] than the November team. We’ve proven it by playing good basketball for longer stretches,” said Antetokounmpo, who finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds. “But at the end of the day, when we’re playing the better teams, we’ve got to do a better job. They’re not just going to give it to us — we’ve got to take it. They’re not just going to fold.”

On the other hand, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson finished with 44 points and six assists whereas center Karl-Anthony Towns added 30 points and 18 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Bucks guard Damian Lillard said they need to figure out the context and move forward.

“One year in Portland, we got our asses whupped every [regular-season] game by OKC. Then in the playoffs, we whupped their ass,” Lillard said. “So no; we haven’t beaten the top teams. But we also have to key in, look at why, figure out the context and move forward.”

Milwaukee Bucks will next take on the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday.