Giannis accuses Milwaukee Bucks teammates of selfishness after fourth defeat in five games

Giannis Antetokounmpo accused his Milwaukee Bucks teammates of being selfish after another sub-par display against the Oklahoma City Thunder last night.

Despite missing several key players through injury, the Thunder cruised to a 122-102 win in Milwaukee, the Bucks’ fourth defeat in five games.

It leaves Giannis and Co with an 18-25 record and knowing a massive improvement is required if they are to make the playoffs for a 10th successive time.

Before considering the postseason, according to Antetokounmpo, they have to address a failing team dynamic which he believes is contributing to their problems.

“We’re not playing hard,” Antetokounmpo said. “We aren’t doing the right thing. We’re not playing to win. We’re not playing together. Our chemistry’s not there. Guys are being selfish, trying to look for their own shots instead of looking for the right shot for the team. Guys trying to do it on their own.

“At times, I feel like when we’re down 10, down 15, down 20, we try to make it up in one play, and it’s not going to work.”

Antetokounmpo – Give the ball to me

Antetokounmpo believes his teammates would be better served giving him the ball.

He added: ”I’m not the guy that will yell and cuss his teammate out and demand the ball. I’ve never done that in my career. But I feel like I’ve played with teammates that kind of understand the gravity that I can cause for our team, in how I can create for teammates and for myself, and how I can help the team be more successful.

“But maybe for some reason, I don’t understand – maybe because we’re young, maybe because we’re not playing well, maybe because guys think it’s their turn, they want to carry the team on their back and try to turn this around – but I really don’t get it. I really don’t.

“They told me there’s this thing that’s called the white swan and black swan, that you’ve got to be the black swan and be more aggressive and demand the ball. 

“It’s something I haven’t done, that I’ve never done my whole career. Maybe I’ve got to do it more.”

Antetokounmpo scored 19 points against the Thunder but was overshadowed by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who poured in 40 for the defending NBA champions, who improved to 37-8 and sit atop the Western Conference.